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News & Events

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 Shaza Fadel

, PhD

Assistant Professor, Clinical Public Health Division; Faculty Co-Lead, Junior Faculty Development Program

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Photo of Ashley Aimone

, PhD

Associate Director, Doctor of Public Health Program

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Office of the Vice-President International

[Watch] Heavy Risk – An Environmental & Occupational Health Documentary

In Ghana’s Shama District, the rice fields of Whin Valley hold immense agricultural potential, providing food and livelihoods to the local community and beyond. But beneath this fertile land, a hidden story unfolds. Three Mastercard Foundation Scholars from the University of Toronto set out to explore how local farming practices and nearby #Galamsey (illegal mining) […]

From Bedside to Big Data: A Nurse’s Transition to Health Informatics 

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the intersection of clinical expertise and technological innovation is where the most significant impacts are made. My journey from nursing to health informatics is a testament to this shift—a journey that began with hands-on patient care and led me to the forefront of digital health solutions. This transition wasn’t […]

African Women Innovating in Health Care

This year, FemSTEM Africa engaged over 200 health innovators and enthusiasts through a series of events, concluding in a pitch competition and interactions with seasoned entrepreneurs. The five-part event series was organized by the University of Toronto’s Health Innovation Hub (H2i) in partnership with Social Enterprise (SE) Ghana, Sustineri Attorneys,  supported by funding from the […]

Apply for the Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarship

How to Apply: Step One Prospective applicants must first consult the admission requirements for the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program of study. The link above will guide you in exploring this program. If you meet the academic requirements of this program, please follow through to step two. Step Two Review the recording of the […]

Photo of Leila Serwaah Khalid

, MA, PMP

Communications Officer, Africa

University of Toronto, Africa Secretariat

Photo of Lisa Huehner

, M.A.

Marketing & Operations, University of Toronto Mississauga, IMIx Executive Programs

University of Toronto, Institute for Management & Innovation

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.

Email Address
s.makuza@mail.utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Program
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
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.

Email Address
naomi.assegied@mail.utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Program
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Profile

Shaza Fadel, PhD

Assistant Professor, Clinical Public Health Division; Faculty Co-Lead, Junior Faculty Development Program

University of Toronto

Dr. Shaza Aladien Fadel is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Public Health Division at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Centre for Global Health. At the Centre, she serves as  the Faculty co-lead of the Junior Faculty Development Program co-designed with the Moi University School of Public Health. She is an epidemiologist, immunologist, and public health professional working at the intersection of health service research and vaccine preventable diseases. Her program looks at the impact of vaccination programs across the life-course in improving equitable distribution of benefits to individuals and community-engaged evaluation of interventions that improve vaccine confidence.

Email Address
shaza.fadel@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Faculty
Country
Canada
Profile

Ashley Aimone, PhD

Associate Director, Doctor of Public Health Program

University of Toronto

Ashley’s background and training include pediatric nutrition, epidemiology, and global health research.  As the Associate Director of the Doctor of Public Health program, Ashley supports the training and mentorship of the Mastercard Foundation-funded scholars from African Health Collaborative partner institutions, as well as teaches applied research methods, and supports program operations and development. In her faculty role, she is the co-lead instructor for a Planetary Health course, in partnership with the School of Public Health, Moi University, Kenya. Her research interests and engagements include planetary health education, and community-based research, particularly at the intersection of climate/environmental change and food systems (including nutrition, food security, and food sovereignty).

Email Address
ashley.aimone@utoronto.ca
Profile Types
Staff
Faculty
Country
Canada
Program
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Profile

Leila Serwaah Khalid , MA, PMP

Communications Officer, Africa

University of Toronto

Leila Serwaah Khalid is a seasoned communications and brand expert with over a decade of experience driving impactful narratives across diverse industries and continents. She has a proven track record of transforming brands into thought leaders, securing high-profile media placements in outlets such as BBC, CNN, Time Magazine, and Reuters.

Leila has excelled at leading dynamic marketing teams and executing successful multimedia campaigns that drive awareness, enhance reputation, and expand customer bases across African and European markets.


Her expertise spans strategic planning, digital marketing, content development, and public relations.


Currently, she serves as Communications Officer for Africa at the University of Toronto, where she spearheads communication strategies for the Africa Health Collaborative, collaborating with 10 institutional partners.


Leila holds a Master’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of Ghana, a certification in Marketing Management from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Bachelor of Laws from KNUST, Ghana. She is also a certified Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute.

Email Address
Leilas.khalid@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Ghana
Profile

Lisa Huehner, M.A.

Marketing & Operations, University of Toronto Mississauga, IMIx Executive Programs

University of Toronto

Lisa Huehner is responsible for Marketing & Operations at IMIx Executive Programs, a division of the Institute for Management & Innovation at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

In her current role Lisa manages all marketing activities as well as various professional development certificate programs. One of the programs Lisa is managing is the Certificate of Effective Healthcare Management, which is part of the Health Ecosystems Pillar. 

Before Lisa joined the University of Toronto, she worked for an international software company focusing on creating strategic partnerships and delivering global marketing initiatives. Lisa holds a Master’s degree from the University of Waterloo (Canada) as well as the University of Mannheim (Germany). Throughout her professional life, Lisa has always enjoyed working in a global setting and collaborating with partners from all over the world.

Email Address
imi.executiveprograms@utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Staff
Country
Canada
Program
IMIx