Our Board

Emmanuel is a seasoned Tanzanian communications specialist with over 20 years of experience in local, regional, and international organizations. He has worked as a Communications and Marketing expert for renowned agencies such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union, and the East African Community. His career also includes roles with Plan International, Save the Children International, Right To Play International, and Jhpiego (an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University), as well as consultancy work with Media Focus on Africa, T-Marc Tanzania, and Rural Development Media Communications (Rudmec). Before transitioning to communications, Emmanuel spent 10 years excelling in journalism in Tanzania and Uganda, rising to Assistant Features Desk Editor at prominent outlets like Daily Monitor (Uganda) and The Guardian (Tanzania). A qualified lawyer and former High Court advocate, he combines his legal background with a strong commitment to charity work, having served as President of a Rotary Club in Tanzania.

Dr. Happy is a distinguished academician, research specialist, and business consultant with over a decade of proven expertise in lecturing, research, mentorship, and managing business portfolios within government institutions. Currently serving as a Lecturer at Moshi Cooperative University (MOCU), specializes in Educational Economics and Management. Her career journey includes previous experience as a Business Officer at Rombo District Council, where she gained valuable insights into public sector operations. Dr. Happy is an active participant in international conferences, focusing on education and economic research, which demonstrates her commitment to academic and professional excellence. She is a passionate, innovative, results-oriented educator and researcher with a proactive approach to problem-solving. She also serves as a Board member of Reach Out Tanzania, an organization dedicated to defending human rights. Driven by a strong belief in the power of creativity and positive thinking, Dr. Happy continues to inspire change and advance knowledge in her field.

Godlisten Malisa, an accomplished health communication specialist with over a decade of experience, has worked with esteemed international organizations such as Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins, and EngenderHealth on USAID and CDC-funded initiatives. With a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a postgraduate qualification in strategic health communication, he has gained extensive expertise and significant exposure in the field. Before co-founding GH Foundation, Malisa was mentored by distinguished health professionals both locally and globally and implemented impactful health communication projects across Tanzania. His passion for addressing gaps in care for patients with non-communicable diseases led to the establishment of GH Foundation, where he actively advocates for transformative health policies, including universal health insurance. Having held notable leadership positions, such as Social Behavior Change Manager for USAID Afya Yangu Project and Senior Technical Officer for USAID AIDSFree Project, Malisa now serves as the Executive Director of GH Foundation and Secretary to the Board, driving meaningful healthcare advancements.

Dr. Aikande is a distinguished social scientist with extensive experience in research, political economy analysis, and evaluating development programs in Tanzania. Currently, she serves as the Managing Director of Bumaco Life Insurance Company and also shares her expertise as a Part-Time Lecturer at Tumaini University, Makumira Campus. Her leadership and academic roles underscore her commitment to fostering knowledge and driving impactful development initiatives. As a senior research and development consultant, Aikande has undertaken numerous high-profile consultancies for both national and international organizations. Her portfolio includes collaborations with Twaweza, ActionAid Tanzania, Christian Commission of Tanzania (CCT), Bible Society of Tanzania (BST), Good Samaritan Foundation (for KCMC Hospital), Café Africa International, Palladium International, IIEP/UNESCO, Oxfam, Graça Machel Trust (GMT), and USAID. Specializing in strategic planning, policy analysis for advocacy, political economy studies, and program evaluation, Aikande is celebrated for her analytical expertise and her ability to craft impactful solutions for sustainable development research.

Onesmo is a respected human rights lawyer and a founding member of the East Africa Human Rights Institution (EAHRI) and Afritanza Attorneys. He holds a Master's in Research and Public Policy, a Bachelor's in Law, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. With over 15 years of experience in international law, public interest litigation, social justice, and natural resource law, he is an active member of the Tanganyika Law Society, East Africa Law Society, and Pan African Lawyers Union. As the Founder and National Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Mr. Olengurumwa plays a key role in regional human rights networks in Eastern, Horn, and Southern Africa. His broad experience with diverse communities and human rights defenders, along with his research on social justice and human rights, highlights his strong dedication to promoting justice and equality. With a focus on health and equality as integral parts of human rights, he is poised to contribute his expertise to addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Angelister currently works as Operations Manager for Jhpiego Tanzania. She is a seasoned administrator with over 17 years of leadership experience in civil society and international not-for-profit health organizations. She excels in managing administration, human resources, and logistics across all phases of program implementation—from design and start-up to execution and closeout. Her expertise spans office setup, procurement, fleet and inventory management, event coordination, work permit and visa processing, tax exemptions, asset disposal, and compliance reporting for NGOs. With extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, Angelister has successfully supported multiple high-impact projects funded by organizations such as USAID, the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, PEPFAR, Global Affairs Canada, UK Aid, ELMA, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the CDC. Her exceptional skills in managing complex operations have made her a valuable asset to the organizations she serves.

Jacob Macha is a founding member of the Tanzania Communication and Development Center (TCDC), a local organization established under Johns Hopkins, where he has gained extensive experience in leading programs and operations. He specializes in supervising innovative social behavior change projects focused on preventive health practices. With a strong background in project management, Jacob leads several public health initiatives, including community mobilization efforts supported by mass media, mid-media, print materials, advocacy, and health provider strengthening. With over 15 years of experience in public health, particularly in social behavior change and advocacy, Mr. Jacob has become a trusted expert in his field. He currently serves as the Acting Country Director for the Tanzania Communication and Development Centre, where he continues to drive impactful public health projects aimed at improving community health and well-being across Tanzania.

Fatma is a passionate and dedicated businesswoman with over 30 years of experience in the energy and hospitality industries. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, customer service, and problem-solving skills, making her a highly valuable asset in the hospitality sector. Her expertise has earned her a reputation for excellence, particularly in driving success and operational efficiency. In addition to her extensive industry experience, Fatma is a seasoned and accomplished board member, recognized for her strategic thinking and astute leadership across both government and non-government organizations. She has served as a Board Member for the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) until 2022. She is currently serving as Board member at Zanzibar Vocational Training Authority and the Labor Advisory Board of Zanzibar. Fatma has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate governance, fostering growth, and ensuring long-term sustainability for the organizations she serves.

He is a highly accomplished finance manager with over 15 years of expertise in Accounting, Finance, and Investment portfolios. Renowned for his ability to manage complex financial operations, he has successfully overseen funds from prestigious donors such as UNHCR, UNICEF, GAC, NORAD, USAID, BNO, GFF, and UKNO programs. Simon brings extensive experience in budgeting, financial monitoring, and the preparation of detailed financial reports, ensuring transparency and efficiency in project finances. Throughout his career, Simon has held senior finance management roles with leading organizations, including World Vision, SGS Co. Ltd, Resolute Mining, and Plan International. His strong leadership and financial acumen have also led him to serve as a board member for various financial institutions, where he has contributed to shaping strategic decisions and driving sustainable growth.

Prof. Kaale is a highly respected Professor of Pharmacology (Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs) at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. Known for his impactful contributions to education and healthcare, he has earned recognition for his work, including an award for Outstanding Contribution to Standards as part of the USP Expert Panel on Medicine Quality Assurance. Currently, he leads as Chairperson of the National Technical Committee for Human Medicines Registration at TMDA and the Pharmaceutical Standards Committee at TBS. Additionally, he serves on the WHO Expert Advisory Panel for International Pharmacopoeia and Pharmaceutical Preparations. With a strong commitment to community health, Prof. Kaale works tirelessly to ensure marginalized communities have access to quality healthcare, particularly in addressing Non-Communicable Diseases.

Joyce is a highly creative and innovative marketing specialist with a passion for bringing brands to life through unique and captivating campaigns. With a diverse background in both marketing and design, Joyce combines her strategic thinking with her artistic vision to deliver impactful marketing solutions. She possess a deep understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and emerging platforms, enabling to craft innovative marketing strategies. As a versatile professional, she excel in various roles encompassing creative marketing, business consulting, and multimedia content. Throughout her career, she has worked with a variety of clients including fashion, business companies, technology, media houses, NGOs and hospitality industry. She is currently contributing her skills and expertise to E-FM Media as a Creative Marketing Specialist.

Dr. Katanta is the Lead Manager for Gender, GBV, SRH, and Social Inclusion at Management and Development for Health (MDH) in Tanzania. Previously, he served as the Country Manager for MC-Tanzania. With over 15 years of experience, he is a highly accomplished Development and Public Health Specialist, excelling in socioeconomic programming, strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, adaptive management, and resource mobilization. Dr. Katanta has collaborated with renowned international organizations such as EngenderHealth, Plan International, Deloitte, and Pathfinder. He has also been a valued resource partner for various Tanzanian government ministries and local organizations, contributing to impactful initiatives. Additionally, his career includes roles as a Medical Doctor at Muhimbili National Hospital and as a Tutor at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, demonstrating his dedication to advancing public health and mentoring future leaders in the sector.