People Directory

Our team is the heartbeat of our collaborative efforts, comprising diverse experts from various fields. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, uniting to drive innovation and impact in the health sector. Together, we are more than just a team; we are a community committed to transforming healthcare across Africa.

People Directory

Photo of Solomon Makuza

, BSc (Hons); MPH

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Photo of Naomi Teshome Assegied

, MD

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Photo of Bethlehem (Betty) Sisay Tefera

Master Scholar

Addis Ababa University, University of Toronto

Photo of Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Emmanuella Nana Debreh Twumwaa Akowuah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Kennedy Owino Ojowi

Master Scholar

Moi University, University of Toronto

Photo of Kuol Maper Alier

Master Scholar

Moi University, University of Toronto

Photo of Maarouf Borhan Hatab

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Marian Bernice Kafui Adzoa Haligah

Master Scholar

Ashesi University, University of Toronto

Photo of Martin Bartels Awortwe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Profile

Solomon Makuza, BSc (Hons); MPH

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto

Solomon Makuza is a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. He has devoted his career to improving social determinants of health and well-being in under-resourced communities. His career began at AVSI International, where he led a child protection and development project across three refugee camps in Rwanda. There, he established multisectoral mechanisms to protect, respond to, and prevent child abuse.

Following this, he served as Programs Manager at Partners in Health, addressing socioeconomic disparities and improving healthcare and social support for vulnerable communities. Most recently, Solomon served as the Executive Director of Gardens for Health International, an NGO focused on maternal and child nutrition. Under his leadership, thousands of families and children were positively impacted. He built enduring partnerships with both local and global stakeholders and played a pivotal role in shaping national policies, including school feeding programs, community health workers’ nutrition guidelines, and the food and nutrition policy.

With a strong background in community outreach, international development, and health equity, Solomon’s interests include maternal and child health, food and nutrition security, global health, and policy development.

In his free time, Solomon enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching soccer and basketball, and jogging. Originally from Rwanda, he holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health Sciences and a Master’s in Public Health. Upon completing his DrPH program, Solomon aims to use his expertise and platform to advance public health in underserved communities, driven by a strong sense of optimism about his potential impact.

Profile

Naomi Teshome Assegied, MD

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto

Dr. Naomi Teshome Assegied is an accomplished medical doctor with almost ten years of experience, most of which has been dedicated to public health. With a solid foundation in medicine, she has a proven track record in health financing, project management, health system strengthening, and strategic planning. Naomi completed her undergraduate studies in medicine from the University of Gondar and her Master’s in Public Health from the Hebrew University. She has also completed a leadership fellowship from the University of Delaware and is a Mandela Washington Fellow under the Young African Leaders Initiative.

Naomi has illustrated her leadership abilities throughout her career, one notable example being her role in spearheading the development of a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for Ethiopia’s emergency, injury, and critical care systems. She has also played a crucial role in preparing and revising over ten national policy documents at the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia during her time as a technical advisor.

In her most recent role as a Country Manager for East Africa at Akros Research, Naomi oversaw the implementation of critical health initiatives in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan. Her role involved managing local teams, coordinating with member states, and driving innovative solutions to improve health outcomes at the country level. Naomi also served as a Co-Chair of the Standing Committee of Medical Care and a Scientific Committee Member at the Ethiopian Medical Association.

Naomi’s areas of interest include public health leadership, health equity and social determinants of health, emergency preparedness and response, and global health.

Beyond her professional life, Naomi is passionate about exploring new places, learning about diverse cultures, and indulging in the rich variety of global cuisines. She has also been a Sunday school teacher at her local church since she was fifteen years old and deeply values this role.

Profile

Bethlehem (Betty) Sisay Tefera

Master Scholar

Addis Ababa University

My time as a Mastercard Foundation scholar at the University of Toronto has truly been a transformative experience.

As a medical doctor from Ethiopia, I have gained a new perspective on healthcare and the ways in which it is viewed around the world. In Canada, I have been inspired by the idea that healthcare is a right, not a privilege to be earned, and I now dream of bringing this ideology back to my home country.

Profile

Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

I am Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh from Ghana. I graduated from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where I was introduced to the broader discipline of Biological Sciences. Following my B.Sc., I served my mandatory National Service at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), where my interest in Public Health-related research was stimulated.

Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program, my goal of pursuing further studies has become a reality. I am currently taking an MPH in environmental health at U of T which completely aligns with my long-term career ambition of becoming a professor and a researcher in the field.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to Mastercard and the University of Toronto for their generosity in admitting and funding my colleagues and me. I haven’t done much with the program yet, but based on the quality of the tuition, it already appears to be highly beneficial. I am convinced that the time I am investing in this program will help me become an innovator in the field of environmental health.

Profile

Emmanuella Nana Debreh Twumwaa Akowuah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

One of the most enriching experiences was the opportunity to engage in a vibrant and diverse academic community.

The scholarship not only provided financial support but also opened doors to various academic and extracurricular activities that have enhanced my experience at the University. Networking opportunities with fellow scholars and professors allowed me to connect with leading experts in my discipline and gain insights into the latest developments in the field. These interactions were invaluable for both my academic and professional growth.

Profile

Kennedy Owino Ojowi

Master Scholar

Moi University

I am grateful for the opportunity to study health informatics as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Toronto.

This life-changing experience has challenged me to reach my full potential and has given me the opportunity to meet some of the most inspiring, intelligent, and supportive people in the world. I am confident that the experiences and relationships that I am building as a Mastercard Scholar will help me make a positive impact on the health system.

Profile

Kuol Maper Alier

Master Scholar

Moi University

My name is Kuol Maper Alier from South Sudan. I am deeply honored to be a scholar of the Mastercard Scholarship program at the esteemed University of Toronto, currently pursuing Executive Master of Health Informatics program. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for this invaluable opportunity, enriching my education and connecting me with a community dedicated to global positive change. 

I am energized by the prospect of spearheading the development and implementation of a digital health system in South Sudan. This endeavor holds the potential to alleviate the burden of chronic diseases, elevating overall healthcare access and quality. My aspiration is to leverage my education and experiences, collaborating with healthcare stakeholders and technology experts to create a sustainable solution to advancing digital health systems in South Sudan.

Profile

Maarouf Borhan Hatab

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Receiving the scholarship has been a transformative experience for me.

What I value most about it is the access to invaluable information that has made adapting to life as an international student remarkably easy. The constant support I receive from the scholarship program is truly remarkable; it’s as if they anticipate my needs before I even realize them. Moreover, the connections I’ve been able to make through this opportunity have enriched my academic and personal journey. It’s a testament to the scholarship’s commitment to my success, and I am incredibly grateful for the doors it has opened in my life.

Profile

Marian Bernice Kafui Adzoa Haligah

Master Scholar

Ashesi University

I am Marian Bernice Kafui Adzoa Haligah from Ghana, honored to be a Mastercard Scholar at the University of Toronto, where I am specializing in Health Informatics. 

This scholarship has validated my academic dedication and fueled my passion for bridging healthcare and technology. What I’ve treasured most as a Mastercard Scholar is the global network of like-minded individuals, dedicated to making impactful changes. Every day, I’m reminded of our collective potential and am profoundly grateful for this transformative journey. With the foundation laid by the Mastercard Scholars program, I’m empowered to make lasting impacts in healthcare through informatics.

Profile

Martin Bartels Awortwe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

It is a wider opportunity to be a Mastercard Scholar.

The foundation has made it possible to pursue higher learning and commit to a scholarly life. The enabling environment provided by the Mastercard Foundation has equipped me to face the various challenges that come along with graduate studies. As a Master of Public Health student (Environmental Public Health emphasis) at the University of Toronto, I am a step closer to achieving my academic and career goals of preventing diseases, improving the health of populations and communities, and ensuring sustainability of the environment.