Dr. Ahmed Ogwell, an energetic figure in international healthcare, will assume the role of CEO at VillageReach, a nonprofit dedicated to improving global health outcomes.
He leverages his extensive knowledge to champion and execute comprehensive healthcare improvements throughout Africa. Under Dr. Ogwell’s guidance, the focus is on enhancing health results via cutting-edge approaches and joint initiatives involving governments, the private sector, and collaborators.
Most recently, he was the Vice President for Global Health Strategy at the United Nations Foundation, overseeing an extensive portfolio that matched the UN’s major efforts in areas such as global health policies, advocacy work, organizing events, providing strategic insights, and awarding grants.
Dr. Ogwell brings over three decades of expertise to his work, having served in prominent positions at the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). There, he was instrumental in advancing the concept of Africa’s New Public Health Order and oversaw the management of the continental COVID-19 response efforts.
He has similarly left his mark during his tenure at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva and the Regional Office for Africa, addressing grassroots issues with worldwide expertise. Additionally, he played a role in Kenya’s Ministry of Health, where he managed health diplomacy and tackled non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
A highly regarded specialist in public health, Dr. Ogwell focuses on areas such as managing health crises, curbing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), crafting healthcare policies, and engaging in global health diplomacy. With experience leading international health talks aimed at policy shifts across Africa, he is also a Kenyan citizen who established both the Office for International Health Liaison and the Division of NCDs within Kenya's Ministry of Health. Dr. Ogwell earned his higher education qualifications from institutions including the University of Nairobi and the University of Bergen.
Dr. Ogwell stated, "This is a pivotal juncture where we have to address the various obstacles facing global health, including infectious disease epidemics and financial instabilities. We can only succeed through collaboration, creative problem-solving, and robust healthcare system reinforcement. Over the past 25 years, VillageReach has tackled intricate healthcare problems. It is an honor for me to become part of VillageReach during this essential period as we work together to resolve these matters and reach our objectives by 2030."
VillageReach remains steadfastly dedicated to achieving its goals outlined in the 2030 Strategy, currently entering its second year. This strategic plan centers around adaptive primary healthcare that ensures accessibility whenever required, adjusts according to varying demands, and effectively manages unexpected challenges while addressing the specific requirements and choices of underserved populations. Its objective is to diminish disparities in accessing high-quality basic medical care. Dr. Ogwell will play an essential role in expanding upon the robust base laid down since the inception of this strategy. Leveraging his specialized knowledge and extensive connections, he will contribute significantly towards meeting governmental necessities and securing the successful implementation of nationwide initiatives.
Sena Kwawu, the Board Chair, stated, "We are facing an unparalleled level of transformation due to substantial interruptions in aid affecting numerous countries where we operate. This was unforeseeable when we started looking for the appropriate leadership for VillageReach. Given Dr. Ogwell’s extensive understanding of African healthcare systems and our solid 2030 Strategy, the Board firmly believes he can steer VillageReach through these volatile periods and keep making a significant difference."
Dr. Ogwell will take over from Emily Bancroft, who has been at the helm of VillageReach since 2017. Under Bancroft's guidance, the organization expanded significantly, laying down strong foundations for future strategies and dramatically boosting healthcare accessibility from serving 20 million to 111 million individuals.
VillageReach’s aim to revolutionize healthcare services so they benefit everyone has become increasingly crucial, particularly due to recent challenges within the industry. With Dr. Ogwell at the helm, we firmly believe in our capacity to fulfill this objective, attain our strategic targets, and guarantee that marginalized populations obtain the medical support necessary for their well-being.
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