Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) has announced the appointment of Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho as the new Board Chair. Uniting to Combat NTDs is a global advocacy organization dedicated to ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho succeeds Rebeca Grynspan who was in the position until July 2023 and remains an Ambassador for Uniting to Combat NTDs.
Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho has more than two decades of experience in global health systems. She previously served as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Assistant Director General for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and NTDs until her retirement in 2016. She lead WHO’s work in prevention, control, impact-mitigation, country support, inter-country collaboration and global partnerships.
She has also played a key role in mobilizing political commitment, resources and action needed to combat HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, NTDs; and building resilient health systems including in the founding, governance, and efficacy of the Global Fund.
Speaking on the appointment, Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho said: “It’s an honour to be appointed as Chair of Uniting to Combat NTDs. It has been my long-held belief that we can change the course of over one billion people who continue to be held back by these preventable and treatable diseases, many of them found in our African Continent. The opportunity to continue serving these individuals and communities was simply not something I could turn down. I am looking forward to working the team to help champion investment to ensure that our vision of a world where NTDs are no longer a threat to people’s lives becomes a reality. This is a really exciting time to be joining the organisation with a newly refreshed strategy focused on resource mobilisation and a busy year ahead to capitalise on opportunities for sustainable financing for NTDs.”
Thoko Elphick-Pooley, Executive Director of Uniting to Combat NTDs said: “We are delighted to have Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho joining us as our new Board Chair. She is a deeply respected trailblazer in global health, with a wealth of experience from her previous leadership roles. Her experience will be invaluable as she leads us in our mission to end NTDs by 2030. Having Dr Winnie’s vision and drive at the forefront will be fundamental as we look to explore new partnerships and unlock sustainable financing to reach all who are still affected by NTDs, and I am excited for what is to come working with Winnie.”
In addition to her current role, Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho serves as the Co-Chair of the Lancet Commission on Malaria Eradication; member of the Panel for a Global Public Health Convection; and Board member of the University of California in San Francisco Institute for Global Health Sciences, MEI.