Bridging the Health Divide: Political Courage to Invest

Ricardo Baptista Leite is a Portuguese medical doctor and the Founder and President of the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Health AI, a global agency for responsible AI in health. 

With more than 15 years of academic experience, he is Chair of the Board of the ‘Global Health Policy Lab,’ a collaboration between Harvard University and Charité University. Based in Berlin, he is also Chair of the Center for Global Health at NOVA University Information Management and Data Science School in Lisbon. 

In the past, Dr. Ricardo served as a member of the Portuguese National Parliament for four terms (2011-2023), Deputy Mayor of Cascais, and City Councilor of Sintra.

Guilherme Duarte is a public health physician with management training and currently the Executive Director of UNITE – Parliamentarians Network for Global Health. At UNITE, he leads the secretariat and oversees the strategic management of a global network engaging with over 500 parliamentarians across more than 100 countries. He has worked in complex international environments with experience spanning medicine and epidemiology to health systems governance, diplomacy, and global health.

Senator Pia S. Cayetano is a senator from the Philippines with over two decades of public service experience. A leading advocate for health, education, women’s empowerment, and family welfare, she currently chairs the Asia and Pacific Regional Chapter of the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health.

Serving nine years as Senate Health Chair and six years overseeing the national health budget, she championed reforms toward universal health care and improved maternal and child health. She led the passage of the country’s landmark reproductive health law despite strong opposition from conservative groups. In recognition of her leadership, she received the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Rising Star Award in 2013.

A lawyer, athlete, and mother, Senator Pia S. Cayetano continues to make strides as the Philippine Senate’s Pinay (Filipina) In Action.

Hannah Vaughan Jones is an Emmy-nominated journalist, news anchor, international moderator, and communications consultant specializing in Global Health.

In her twenty-year media career, Hannah has presented primetime shows for CNN and Sky News, interviewing world leaders in business, politics, and philanthropy. She sits on the Global Leadership Advisory Council for the McCain Institute in the U.S. and is a senior counsel for agencies like Incisive Health and Folgate Advisors.

As Director of Programme Management (DPM), Dr. Kidong Park has overall responsibility for strategic planning and coordination, programme implementation and oversight, supervision of directors of technical divisions and cross-cutting areas, and an advisory role to the Regional Director. 

Prior to taking up this position, Dr. Park took several key positions at three levels of WHO over 20 years, including WHO Representative for Viet Nam, Director of Data, Strategy and Innovation (DSI), and Executive Officer, Country Support Unit (CSU) at the Regional Office for the Western Pacific, and Medical Officer, Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at Headquarters. 

Before joining WHO, Dr. Park was the Director of the Communicable Disease Control Division at the Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (KCDC). He also took several technical and management positions at the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) of the Republic of Korea, including the national immunization programme, medical insurance benefit programme, cancer control programme, and noncommunicable disease control programme for over 12 years. 

Dr. Park is a medical doctor with a specialization in health policy and management. He earned bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in medicine from the Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea. He is married with two daughters.

Martin Chungong made history in 2014 as the first African and first non-European elected Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). With over four decades of experience working with parliaments at national and international levels, he has dedicated his career to advancing and strengthening democracy worldwide.

He is deeply committed to revitalizing democratic institutions and processes, with a strong focus on sustainable development, and enhancing the role of parliaments and increasing women and youth participation in political life. Under his leadership, the IPU has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality through effective legislation and accountability for international commitments. He serves on the Board of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and was appointed by the UN Secretary-General as a global leader of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement.

Martin Chungong is also a leading advocate for gender equality. He chairs the Global Board of the International Gender Champions and works closely with governments, international organizations and civil society to advance gender parity.

Eduardo Banzon champions Universal Health Coverage and has long provided technical support to countries in Asia and the Pacific in their pursuit of this goal. Before joining ADB in 2014, he was President and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, World Health Organization (WHO) regional adviser for health financing for the Eastern Mediterranean region and WHO health economist in Bangladesh, and World Bank senior health specialist for the East Asia and Pacific region. He was also a faculty member of the University of the Philippines’ College of Medicine and Ateneo Graduate School of Business and was an honorary visiting associate professor at the National University of Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. He completed BS Biology and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of the Philippines, and MSc in Health Policy, Planning, and Financing from the London School of Economics and Political Science and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Executive Director of the AHF Global Public Health Institute and Global Public Health Ambassador for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), President of AHF-Mexico. Former Global Fund (GF) Board Member representing Latin America & the Caribbean, former member of the GF Strategy Committee, and member of the Developing Country NGO. Interim Chair of the Board of Trustees of IAPAC (International Association of Providers of AIDS Care), Chair elect of MPACT (MSM and HIV INGO), former Panelist of The Independent Panel to Evaluate the Global Response to Ebola convened by the Harvard Global Health Institute and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and also a former member of the Strategy Committee of the Global Fund AIDS, TB, and Malaria representing the Developing Country NGOs, member of the UNAIDS Global Targets Setting Steering Committee, and member of the Executive Committee of GayLatino Network.

Dr. Saavedra is a Mexican national and medical doctor from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) with two master’s degrees, one in Public Health and another in Health Policy and Management, both from Harvard University. He was Director General of the National AIDS Program of Mexico (CENSIDA 2003–2009). He has also been Deputy Director General of Planning and Innovation at the Ministry of Health of Mexico (2001–2003) and was the Founding Director of Mexico City’s Clínica Condesa, the largest HIV clinic in Latin America. He has several publications mainly related to AIDS economics and more recently on the global response to Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, and a Global Public Health Convention for the 21st Century. Former advisor to the National Human Rights Commission in Mexico.

Dr. Kapil Kapoor has over 30 years of experience in international development, specializing in Africa and Asia. He was the Director General for Southern Africa at the African Development Bank, where he was responsible for the bank’s projects and programs across 13 countries in Southern Africa. He has also served as the Director for Strategy and Operational Policies at the Bank, where he led the preparation of the Bank’s Long-Term Strategy for Africa and the Bank’s Private Sector Development Strategy.

Kapil has held a series of senior positions with the World Bank Group, including the World Bank’s Representative for Uganda and Zambia and the World Bank’s Sector Manager for its poverty reduction, economic management, and governance program in Asia.

Gaye Agesa is a Senior Manager for Policy Advocacy and Communication in Research and Capacity Strengthening at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) in Kenya. She leads efforts to strengthen the R&D ecosystem, working closely with governments and partners to turn research evidence into practical policy that improves health outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa.

With more than 17 years of experience spanning the private sector, public service, and international development, she brings a deep understanding of public health policy. Gaye has led collaborative initiatives with communities, researchers, and civil society, designing programs that shape policy, strengthen partnerships and drive meaningful social change.

Vikas Aggarwal has been affiliated with the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) since November 2024, serving as the Senior Lead for Global South Partnerships. He is a qualified medical doctor with an MBA in Public Health, bringing over twenty years of experience, primarily within the Indian subcontinent.

Dr. Aggarwal is known for his exceptional strength in business development, strategic and thought leadership, relationship management, and leading and delivering large-scale and high-profile projects and assignments with key donors with outstanding success and impact. Dr. Aggarwal served as a member of the management boards, an expert advisory group member, a technical advisory committee member, and an expert for various organizations, universities, and public health organizations’ missions. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health-UK.

At CEPI, Dr. Aggarwal is responsible for developing regional strategies and fostering relationships with key government departments, multilateral organizations, and International Financial Institutions (IFIs), particularly within Asia, while also overseeing initiatives in Latin America, with an aim to significantly contribute to CEPI’s mission in the Global South.

Dr. Mayowa Sodiq Akinpelu is a medical doctor and a member of the WHO’s Youth Council. He is also a member of the youth engagement taskforce of the UNICEF Generation Unlimited 9ja, a public-private-youth partnership platform aimed at equipping 20 million Nigerian youth with climate responsive/green skills and opportunity for economic empowerment and social impact.

As the Executive Chairman of the Africa Public Health Student Network (AfricaPHSN), Mayowa leads efforts to strengthen public health systems across African countries. His initiatives through AfricaPHSN addresses pressing climate and health challenges in vulnerable communities with a focus on youth-driven approaches.

Ms. Sana’a Khasawneh is a road safety and sustainable mobility specialist from Jordan working at the intersection of public health, climate action, and urban development. She serves as Advocacy & Public Affairs Manager at Youth for Road Safety and chairs the NCDs and Healthy Lifestyles Working Group at the WHO EMRO Youth Council.

Her work focuses on creating healthier, safer, and more inclusive cities by advancing active mobility, climate-resilient transport systems, and youth-led policy solutions. Sana’a contributes to global and local initiatives that integrate health, climate, and urban planning to build cities that support wellbeing, equity, and sustainable living.

Born on October 24, 1973, in Alicante, Spain. Member of Parliament. Administration. Advisor to municipal group Alicante. Councilor of the Sant Joan d’Alacant City Council. Deputy for Culture and Transparency of the Alicante Provincial Council (2019 – 2023). Vice President of the Alicante Provincial Council (2019 – 2023).

Dr. Ibtissame Azzaoui is a UNITE Ambassador and former MENA Chapter Chair. She is the Founding President of P4C and an international consultant. She holds a PhD from Mohammed V University; her award-winning thesis on Moroccan parliamentary diplomacy received the National Prize for Best Thesis on Parliamentary Affairs. An engineer in Computer Sciences, she graduated from EHTP and École Centrale Paris. A former member of the Moroccan Parliament, she now serves as a City Councilor in Rabat.

Hon. Éctor Jaime Ramírez Barba (Mexico) is a Federal Deputy for the National Action Party (2024-2027), a surgeon, and a certified specialist in general surgery and public health, with a doctorate in health sciences with an emphasis in surgery and a doctorate in public administration. He has been a research professor at several universities in Mexico and a member of the National Researchers System. He has been a member of UNITE since 2022.

Priya Basu brings over three decades of leadership at the intersection of health, finance, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilization. She is the founding Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund at the World Bank, where she has led its design and rapid scale-up. In three years, the Fund has built a $7 billion portfolio, partnering with governments, multilateral development banks, UN agencies, philanthropies, the private sector, and civil society to strengthen pandemic preparedness in 75 low- and middle-income countries.

During COVID-19, Priya led the Multilateral Leaders Task Force (World Bank, IMF, WHO, WTO), promoting transparency in access to medical countermeasures and driving engagement with the G20 and G7. Previously, she managed the World Bank’s $21 billion trust fund portfolio, shaping investments in global public goods and innovative health financing.

An economist trained at Delhi University and Oxford University, Priya is a published author and a recognized voice in global health and development finance.

Hon. Francis Chikumbutso Belekanyama has been a Malawian MP since 2021, serving on key committees and advancing health and governance.

Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto is a prominent leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, recognized for organizational strength, ideological commitment, and loyalty to the Bhutto leadership. Inspired by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, he rose through student and youth politics. He served the party in key organizational roles, including digital media coordination in Sindh. As a senator, he advocates public welfare, youth empowerment, and social justice.

Andrew Black is currently the Acting Head of the Convention Secretariat for the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Andrew also leads the Convention Secretariat’s activities to support parties to implement the WHO FCTC and Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, including the delivery of the FCTC 2030 project.

Before joining the Secretariat, Andrew was a civil servant at the United Kingdom Department of Health. Andrew led the United Kingdom’s tobacco control programme for almost a decade, which included the introduction of new legislation on smokefree places, health warnings, age of sale, and plain packaging. Andrew was the WHO FCTC focal point for the United Kingdom during this time.

Charles Bleehen is Head of the Development & Innovative Finance team at Gavi. Over the past 30 years, he has designed, launched, and operated large-scale blended finance and co-financing platforms, catalysing over $5 billion in financing into global health and development from multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, donors, the private sector, and philanthropies. 

In his role at Gavi, he is responsible for the design, structuring, and implementation of strategic financing partnerships and mechanisms, including Gavi’s MDB Multiplier, First Response Fund, and Day Zero Financing Facility for Pandemics. Previously, he was the Senior Advisor on development finance for COVAX, helping to mobilise close to $1 billion for the self-procurement of C19 vaccines by low-income and lower-middle-income countries.

Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies. Serving his second term in the Chamber of Deputies and in the previous legislature (2018 – 2022), he held the position of Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Prior to his experience in Parliament, he was President of the Region of Sardinia (2009 – 2014), where he had previously served as Councillor. He has a degree in economics and specialised as an accountant at Bocconi University (Milan) and LUISS University (Rome).

CHEE Yoke Ling was trained in law at the University of Malaya, Malaysia (LLB) and University of Cambridge, UK (LLM). She works on sustainable development issues, with a focus on social justice and equity. Among her research and advocacy work are issues on public health systems strengthening, especially access to affordable treatment, and antimicrobial resistance. She engages in inter-governmental negotiations and processes at the UN, and with national policy makers in Malaysia, as well as support policy and law capacity building for civil society and community organisations.

She is currently a member of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Committee and National AMR Committee of Malaysia. She is also on the Vice-President of Together Against Cancer (a Malaysian cancer treatment advocacy association).

Dr. Sarath Chhim, MD, MSc, is a senior public health leader and Asia Bureau Chief at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a role he has held since 2010. He provides strategic oversight to AHF programs across 11 countries in Asia, strengthening HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care, and advocacy efforts to expand access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy.

Since joining AHF Cambodia in 2006, he has played a key role in scaling the organization’s regional footprint and advancing community-based health services. Prior to AHF, he held senior clinical and administrative roles in Cambodia’s public health system, including Director of Prey Veng Provincial Hospital, and contributed to HIV programming with KHANA.

Dr. Chhim holds a medical degree and an MSc in tropical medicine. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to health system strengthening, regional collaboration, and equitable access to HIV services across Asia.

Born on December 2, 1964, in Getxo. Member of the Spanish Parliament. Graduate in Education. Degree in Educational Psychology. Degree in Anthropology. Councilwoman for the Errigoiti City Council.

Akua Sena Dansua is a Ghanaian diplomat, politician, and gender advocate. She serves as a Global Board Member and Regional Chair for the West and Central Africa Chapter of the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health. As Ghana’s first female ambassador to Germany, she strengthened bilateral relations and joined high‑level global health discussions. She previously served as Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, Youth and Sports, and Tourism. Dansua founded “Advocates for Gender and Development Initiatives”, an NGO promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, with Dayi FM, a community radio station. She has also held key roles in African parliamentary networks, especially in initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS.

Deepak Dhungel is a global health and advocacy leader with over 20 years of experience in HIV / AIDS programs, policy influence, and health systems strengthening. As Regional Advocacy & Marketing Manager at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Asia Bureau, he leads advocacy and communication strategies across 11 countries, advancing campaigns such as Vaccinate Our World and strengthening regional visibility through media and partnerships.

Previously, as Country Program Director for AHF Nepal, he expanded HIV treatment services from 5 to 16 ART clinics, reaching over 11,800 clients and securing strategic collaborations with the Ministry of Health. His earlier work with FHI360 and other organizations focused on USAID-funded programs, capacity building, and integrated approaches to reproductive health and prevention.

Deepak holds advanced degrees in development and public health and actively engages in research, professional associations, and international advocacy platforms.

Degree in Medicine and Surgery. MBA and postgraduate studies in the USA and the Netherlands. Specialized in Health Economy and Health Management. Chief Health Advisor in the Madrid City Council. Minister of Health of Madrid. Minister of Health and Social Affairs of Castilla La Mancha. National Legislator for 7 periods responsible for the area of health. President of the World Health Commission (AGH) of the Interparliamentary Union.

Haitham El-noush is a former deputy member of the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget), representing the Norwegian Socialist Left Party (SV). A development practitioner with over 25 years of experience working on both development and humanitarian aid, who turned into a global health enthusiast through promoting and scaling up innovation and digital tools for health and development. El-noush has a long international cooperation career from working for both governments, INGOs, and the UN.

I am Aliyoum Fadil, a Member of Parliament of the Republic of Cameroon, focused on advancing health equity through inclusive public policy. My work emphasizes strengthening health systems, expanding access to care, and addressing disparities in resource-constrained settings. I engage in international parliamentary dialogue on multilateral cooperation and contribute practical policy perspectives to global health discussions.

Faissal Wardak is a city councilor and entrepreneur working on digital solutions for hospitals and public institutions, with a focus on practical implementation and efficiency in healthcare administration.

I am a medical doctor specialized in Public Health. Served as an elected Member of Parliament for three terms, holding several non-Cabinet ministerial portfolios.  I have been a member of key parliamentary committees.  My work focuses on women’s empowerment and gender equality.

Fortune Daniel Molokele is a human rights lawyer who was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Whange Central Constituency in July 2018. In August 2023, he was re-elected for his second term. He has been a very active member of the UNITE Parliamentary Network for over five years and has participated in several events or activities in places ranging from Lisbon, Geneva, Washington DC, Berlin, and Nairobi, among other places.

Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani (born 9 June 1952, Multan) is a senior Pakistani politician and Chairman of the Senate since 2024. He served as the 16th Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012. A senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, he has also served as Speaker of the National Assembly and held key federal ministerial portfolios.

Charles Gore is Executive Director of the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a UN-backed public health organisation that increases equitable access to medicines and health technologies through voluntary licensing and technology transfer. Since 2018, he has led MPP’s expansion beyond HIV into essential medicines and pandemic preparedness, including co-leading the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme with WHO.

Reena Gupta is a Senior Program Officer at Panorama Strategy with extensive expertise in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, coalition building, and strategy development. With over a decade of experience in global health, she brings a collaborative mindset, empathetic leadership, and a strong commitment to elevating diverse perspectives in advocacy and policy. Reena has supported leaders and partners across Zambia, Southern Africa, and Latin America, advancing multi-sector initiatives focused on health systems strengthening, disease prevention, and non-communicable disease advocacy. At Panorama, she partners with health and life sciences institutions to convene coalitions and facilitate strategic sessions to drive meaningful impact.

Branwen Hennig leads the GHPL initiative, overseeing the Berlin-based team and global partnership network. She champions a co-development approach, uniting cross-sector stakeholders and experts in global health, policy, and technology. Branwen has global health expertise ranging from basic discovery to applied research, to implementation and translation into policy. She previously held on developing and delivering strategic priorities and overseeing large international programmes in global health as funder, consultant and researcher. 

She previously held senior positions at Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and consulted for WHO and beyond.

Economist. Central Bank official. A member of parliament elected by the MpD parliamentary group. Parliamentary Leader. Master’s degree in Statistics and Information Management and PhD candidate in Applied Economics at the University of Minho.

Ushma Issar is the CEO and co-founder of Rypple, a global purpose-led business focused on shifting health systems from disease treatment to a proactive, “health-ing” mindset. She has over 10 years of experience in the global medical device industry and now works at the intersection of policy, finance, and innovation to make prevention investable and scalable. Through Rypple’s work with governments, multilaterals, and industries, she supports the design of fiscal and policy levers that incentivize early intervention, wellbeing, and systemic resilience.

With my support and contribution in Parliament, we have enacted numerous health-related laws (e.g., the Medicine and Related Products Amendment Bill 2023 / 2024, the Gambia Metrology Act of 2025, and many other progressive laws).

Dr. Mariam Jashi is a senior-level policymaker with 27 years of experience in Global Health. She is the CEO of Global Sepsis Alliance, Secretary General of the Medical Women’s International Association, Board Member of the UNITE Parliamentarians’ Network, Advisory Board Chair of Tbilisi Medical Academy, and Council Member of the Virchow Foundation. From 2012 to 2020, Dr. Jashi served as Deputy Minister of Labour, Health, and Social Affairs of Georgia, MP, and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee.

Deputy Mayor of Paris and President of Elected Representatives Against AIDS (17,000 members, including MPs, Mayors, etc.) Only elected representative in France to have said they are living with HIV, author of 13 books, with lots of followers on X, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

Ephraim Abele Kayembe is an accomplished researcher and policymaker in Malawi. He has been a member of parliament for 11 years now and continues to advocate for sustainable health financing towards the Global Fund. He has championed and advocated for the development of sound health policies to support sustainable healthcare. Being a goal getter, he has utilized strategic partnership and collaboration to harvest fruits of collective and inclusive development. He possesses a PhD in IR, an MSc, and a BSc.

Nayeem Khan is a Senior Manager in the Development & Innovative Finance team at Gavi.

At Gavi, he works on strengthening financing partnerships with multilateral development banks in support of immunisation. He also works on developing the next generation of financing instruments to unlock additional resources for countries to fund vaccines and health systems.

Prior to joining Gavi, Nayeem worked at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in the strategy team, where he was part of the bank’s start-up phase, helping establish its operational, policy, and financing frameworks. Earlier in his career, he held several economist roles at the UK Finance Ministry, analysing financial markets and shaping government interventions to preserve the

Serhii Volodymyrovych Kuzminykh, People’s Deputy of Ukraine of the 9th convocation.
Born: January 17, 1983
Education: Higher
Family: Married, raising three children
Position: Chairman of the Subcommittee on Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Activities of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on National Health, Medical Assistance, and Medical Insurance

Jack Patrick Lewis serves as the state representative in the Massachusetts House of Representatives (USA). First elected in 2016, he is House Chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government and co-chair of the Massachusetts House Progressive Caucus. An ordained minister, Jack leads legislation on suicide prevention, environmental justice, youth health, animal welfare, and HIV prevention, and co-founded OUT MetroWest to support area LGBTQ+ youth.

Hon. Neema K. Lugangira is a globally recognised African policy leader in nutrition, global health, digital democracy, and women’s political leadership. She is Secretary General of Women Political Leaders (WPL) and Co-Chair of the UN SUN Movement Executive Committee. A former MP in Tanzania, she founded AFSPaN and APNIG, led landmark electoral reforms, secured recognition of parliamentarians in the AU CAADP, and is an active member of the UNITE Global Parliamentary Forum.

A member of parliament, she has championed bills on suicide prevention, rare diseases, eating disorders, and reproductive rights. Chair of the Social Affairs Committee and of the Oversight Committee on the Healthcare System. She worked at the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences and chaired the VIII Latin American Conference on Suicide Prevention.  She holds a degree in History (University of Costa Rica), a Master’s in Public Health (Yale), and a Master’s in Public Administration (Harvard).

Mahesh Kumar Malani, born in 1962, is a senior Pakistani parliamentarian and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Health.

Nico Marquardt is a third-term elected city councillor of the State Capital Potsdam and Parliamentary Group Leader (SPD), focused on digital health and public policy. He chairs Potsdam’s Digitalization Council, aligning public institutions, companies, and research partners on data governance and citizen engagement. In parallel, he is a doctoral researcher in Global Health at Charité, exploring AI for maternal health in low- and middle-income countries to move tools from pilot to practice.

I decided to join the frontline of politics out of conviction to serve the people of my constituency and Malawi at large through policy and development influencing. I have a strong interest in maternal, SRHR, Noncommunicable Disease, and AMR, which is largely caused by the consumption of substandard drugs. I am currently serving as a Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health.

I strongly believe in creating an opportunity-driven society for all. Since June 2024, I have served as a member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and am currently chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism. Previously, I was a member of Parliament in the National Assembly, where I served as the Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development.

Esther Nicholas Matiko is a Member of Parliament from Tanzania and a strong advocate for equitable health systems. She champions political courage in prioritizing health investment to reduce inequality, strengthen primary healthcare, and improve access for underserved communities. Esther is committed to evidence-based policymaking, accountability, and inclusive leadership to bridge the health divide and advance sustainable development.

Olawale Maiyegun, PhD is a Public Policy expert, an accomplished retired career Ambassador and international Civil Servant with over four decades experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy at the highest level of Heads of States and Governments at the Nigerian Foreign Service, African Union, and United Nations, as well as overseas postings in Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa. As a former Director, Department of Social Affairs (now Humanitarian, Health & Social Development), African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, he has vast experience in development work, humanitarian action in armed conflict, public and global health security and health diplomacy.

A health expert, former member of parliament, committed to public health, and lecturer in hospital law.

A distinguished leader with over three decades of experience spanning academia, public service, and parliament. Honorary Professor at the University of the Western Cape, member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, representing SA women parliamentarians at the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Association. Previously Provincial Minister of Health for two terms; former Associate Professor on Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights.

Gelise McCullough joined the Medicines Patent Pool in 2020 and works across its portfolio to build and maintain partnerships with governments, multilateral agencies, and civil society, while communicating MPP’s impact. She is a public health professional with over 20 years of experience in global health and access to medicine, including prior roles within the UN and multilateral organisations.

Marina Mijatović has been a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia since 2024 and a member of the Committee on Health and Family. She has been a lawyer for over ten years, with expertise in medical law. She previously worked in NGOs, served five years as Executive Director of Law Scanner, eight years on the Health Council, and over ten years as a Consultant on Medical Law Clinics at Union University. She also served six years as a civil supervisor for public

Ex-MP, Bangladesh Parliament (2014-2023); Ex-Chair, IPU Health Advisory Committee; Ex-Member, Governing Body, IFRC; Ex-Vice Chairman, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society; Sr. Vice Chairman, Bangladesh Medical Research Council; Ex-Standing Committee Member, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Social Welfare, and Science & Technology; Ex-Chairman, Parliamentary Forum for Health and Wellbeing; Ex-Member, Global TB Caucas.

My full name is Christina Christopher, a female MP representing my fellow women in my community. It is my second term as a member of Parliament. I’m passionate about women empowerment and community development. I’m a medical doctor by profession, also serving as a member of the Health committee.

Usman is a former member of Parliament in Nigeria. Was Deputy Chair Com on Health from 2015 to 2019. Sponsored motions and legislation aimed at strengthening the Nigerian health system and improving the quality of health care delivery. Since 2019, has worked with the World Bank Nigeria and several NGOs supporting Nigerian legislature at national and sub-national levels. Now working with the Speaker of the House of Representatives as an SA.

Oscar Rwegasira Mukasa is a senior policy analyst, researcher, and advocacy leader with over 20 years’ experience influencing policy, legislation, and financing through evidence-based engagement with government in Tanzania and beyond. He is a Senior Policy and Government Engagement Advisor with the STOP TB Partnership Tanzania Chapter and a former Member of Parliament (2015–2020). He brings strong expertise in public health, governance, systems strengthening, and applied policy analysis.

Dr. Mellany Murgor, based in Kenya, is a Public Health Practitioner and youth advocate advancing occupational health, NCD prevention, and community wellbeing. She serves on the WHO Youth Council Steering Committee and is an Ambassador for the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) Congress.

Her work connects policy to practice, integrating climate change, intergenerational equity, and workforce health into legislative and community action. She champions evidence-informed laws that protect young and vulnerable populations across the lifecourse and drive inclusive, mentally healthy, and resilient societies.

A Ugandan politician, social worker, and health and women’s rights activist. Rosette served as a member of parliament in the 10th Parliament of Uganda. Founder and President of HEPS Uganda, a health policy advocacy NGO that focuses on access to essential medicines. Rosette is a recognized health and women’s rights advocate, social entrepreneur, and recipient of a 2024 Presidential Award for her work on women’s health and economic rights and for championing better health outcomes outside the hospital.

Maha Abdel Nasser is a member of Parliament and Vice President of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party. She is one of the main opposition figures and fought several battles against the government on crucial issues concerning health & education. Maha holds an engineering degree, an MBA, and an online PhD degree in Political Marketing. She also has more than 35 years of experience in the areas of sales, marketing, and business management in the ICT industry.

Denis Naughten is an experienced policy leader with nearly thirty years as an MP in Ireland and former Minister for Communications, Climate Action, and Environment. Renowned for bridging science, technology, and policy, Denis brings global expertise in turning research into effective health initiatives and evidence-based policies. He has played a key role in international legislative frameworks, advocating for ethical innovation and improved outcomes for those affected by chronic illness.

I am currently running my private pharmacy. I am a former Member of Parliament. I am actively involved in drug awareness campaigns in my community. We also run campaigns against drugs and substance abuse. Karoi has a population of about 100000 people. Currently there is a prevalence of marijuana and amphetamine abuse amongst young people.

I’m a Congolese politician and trained jurist, born on August 27, 1986, in Kinshasa. Elected Senator for Kasai Central in April 2024, he serves as Acting Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment, Sustainable Development, Natural Resources, and Tourism, and as Chair of the Board of the Environmental Intervention Fund. I’m personally committed to a health mutual scheme, advocating for mental health recognition and care as a key issue of human dignity and social cohesion.

National Deputy of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Member of the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and the IMF, Member of the OECD Global Parliamentary Network, Member of the Economic and Financial Committee of the DRC Parliament. Committed to good governance, reducing inequalities, and pursuing sustainable development goals.

Gro Anett Nicolaysen has over 20 years of international experience across government relations, programme and project management, humanitarian work, and public-private partnerships. Her career includes roles with CEPI, the International Red Cross, the United Nations, NGOs, and private sector organisations, with regional postings in Indonesia and Malaysia.

At CEPI, she works on government engagement, funding processes, and partnerships, including collaboration with public authorities, technical partners, and international institutions. She is currently the Country Lead for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Italy. Previous roles include regional leadership positions in Asia Pacific for the Norwegian Red Cross, business development in the private sector, and assignments with UNHCR and OCHA in Pakistan and South Sudan. Her work has involved stakeholder coordination, policy and strategy processes, and office management.

She holds an MSc in Political Sociology from the London School of Economics.

I have a degree in School and Educational Psychology and a PhD in Social Sciences, specializing in Education Sciences. I began my professional career in 2000 and worked in secondary and higher education as a teacher, psychologist, and trainer in public and private institutions in Portugal. I have been a member of the Portuguese Parliament since 2021 and a municipal councilor since 2024. My academic and professional interests focus on education, health, gender equality, and human development.

Federica Onori is an Italian MP, elected to the Chamber of Deputies in October 2022. She serves as Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Committee and is a member of the Italian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, where she is Vice-Chair of the Young Parliamentarians Network. In September 2025, she was appointed OSCE PA Special Representative on Artificial Intelligence. She holds a PhD in Statistics from Sapienza University of Rome and previously worked at the European Commission.

I am a founding member of UNITE, established in 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and the sole representative of Cuba within the organization. My engagement began during the 139th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). I reside in Paris, France, where I serve as President of the Association Somos Cubanos en Francia, while maintaining strong institutional ties with Cuba.

Hendrik Oye is Project Manager at GHPL, where he focuses on stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and event coordination to support applied research and initiatives that strengthen equitable access to health policymaking at global and national levels. Prior to joining GHPL, Hendrik held multiple roles at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Geneva.

Most recently, he served as Operations Officer for the Technical Review Panel Secretariat, overseeing multi-stakeholder funding reviews, budgeting, and strategic partner engagement. He also brings experience in international development from roles at GIZ in West Africa and Germany, and as co-founder of a social enterprise in the Netherlands focused on sustainable food systems.

Beatrice is a Kenyan legislator currently serving as a Senator under the Parliament of Kenya. She has extensive experience in governance and public administration, having previously served as a County Executive Committee Member in Homa Bay County in the areas of Energy and Mining, Land and Housing, and Water and Environment. She has also served as a Director on the Board of the Kenya Maritime Authority and is recognized for her strong leadership in policy, oversight, and community development.

Orjola Pampuri is an Albanian politician and public servant with a background in social policy and public administration. She has served as a Member of Parliament and as a member of the Health and Social Issues Committee and a voice in parliament for children and youth, focusing on child protection, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. Her work centers on strengthening public institutions, advancing social reforms, and promoting policies that support vulnerable groups and equal opportunities.

Amar ‍Patnaik, Ph.D., is an Indian politician and former member of the upper house of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha) representing Odisha. He used to be an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service and is now, by and large, credited for his knowledge of governance, finance, and public policy.

Ramesh Paudyal is an ex-Bagmati Province MP (2017–2022, Bibeksheel Sajha) and holds sociology & political science degrees (Nepal) and a Masters of Management of Development (Wageningen Univ., Netherlands). 20+ years as a development consultant & tourism entrepreneur. Expert in rural Nepal WASH & health, focused on deprived communities. Current APPFE Executive Committee member (Asia Pacific Eval. Assoc.), advocates for dev. evaluation. Joined the RSP central committee in early 2026 with Balendra Shah’s team.

Fidel Cardoso Pina has a degree in Law and Legal Sciences and a master’s degree in Business Management and Administration. He has postgraduate degrees in Management and Political Governance, Social Security, and Labor Legislation, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Policy and Local Development. He is currently a National Deputy of the Republic of Cape Verde, Vice President of IUSY (International Union of Socialist Youth), President of JPAI – PAICV Youth, and a university professor and consultant.

As a professor of higher education, I was the Vice Rector of the University of Cape Verde. I was the Vice President of the UCID party for two terms and am currently President of the party’s National Council. I am currently serving my second term as a member of parliament. I belong to the network of women parliamentarians and have been working with women to organize the party’s women’s wing. I actively participated in the drafting of the parity law. I was president of the Municipal

Ms. Bianca Carvalho is the co-chair of the Planetary Health Working Group of the WHO Youth Council. She holds a Master’s degree in Global Health from the Geneva Graduate Institute. Currently she is a fellow at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and a writer for Geneva Health Files.

Her research agenda, projects, and publications encompass global health governance, access to medicines, intellectual property, and the intersection of climate change and health.

50 years of age. Holder of a master’s degree in International Relations (Zimbabwe Defence University), a master’s in Human Resources (International University of Management Namibia), and currently on a 3rd-year law degree at the University of Zambia. Politician for the past 20 years and having interest in health-related issues, particularly funding and support. An avid golfer.

Born on December 9, 1962, in Valencia, Spain. Member of Parliament. Graduate in Medicine and Surgery from Valencia University. Specialization in Family Medicine and Community Health. Mayor of Quart de Poblet, Valencia (1999 – 2023). Provincial Deputy for Valencia (2003 – 2011). Member of the Valencian Parliament (2011 – 2023). Secretary and Vice President of the Valencian Parliament (2011 – 2019). Secretary of Health and Mental Health on the National Executive Committee of the Valencian Community.

Hugo Rasetto is a lawyer, producer, and senator from Santa Fe, Argentina. Currently on his fourth consecutive term representing the Iriondo Department, he has over 30 years of public service. A former pioneering entrepreneur and mayor, he recently served as a delegate for the historic 2025 Santa Fe Constitutional Reform. Known for legislative innovation and consensus building, Hugo combines strategic political vision with a lifetime of community action.

Dr. Lorenzo is a biologist, licensed medical doctor, professor, climate and health volunteer, and mentor. From humble beginnings as a passionate campus volunteer to becoming a national advocate for mental health, climate resilience, and youth empowerment, Dr. Lorenzo has dedicated his life to transforming compassion into action.

Since then, he believed that he has been empowered to serve and saved by this opportunity to lead and give back. Being in the space for more than 14 years, he has been involved in local projects, national endeavors, and global efforts on health, climate, education, peace, and development.

Amira Saber is a member of the Egyptian Senate recently elected as the Secretary General of the Human Rights and Social Solidarity Committee. She is an ex-member of Parliament who was elected as the Secretary General of the Foreign Relations Committee. Saber is the VP of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party.

Salimato Sanha was born on April 23, 1980, in the city of Bissau. Graduated in general medicine from Ulianovsky University (Russia) in 2008, specialized in ophthalmology at the West African College of Surgeons (Ghana and Nigeria) in 2014, and is the National Eye Care Coordinator for trachoma disease. Political career: Member of the PAIGC party, member of the political commission of the Oio region and of the Central Committee. National deputy for the IX and X legislatures of Guinean-Bissau.

Member of Parliament since 2018
MLSTP Parliamentary Leader between 2020 and 2024
Chair of the 2nd Committee since 2024

Clinical Professor at St. Mary’s Hospital, Catholic University of Korea. Former member of the 21st National Assembly (Democratic Party), serving as Vice Chairman of the Gender Equality & Family Committee and member of the Health & Welfare Committee. Previously Director of the Korean Parliament Forum on Global Health, Secretary General of the Korea-Africa Foundation, and party spokesperson. Combines medical expertise with extensive policy experience in healthcare, gender equality, and international relations.

Sonia Sidhu has served as a Member of Parliament for Brampton South since 2015. With nearly two decades of health care experience, she is a leading advocate for national health initiatives. As a long-time member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, she has helped shape policies on mental health, dental care, and Canada’s COVID-19 response. She is also recognized for introducing the legislation that created Canada’s National Framework for Diabetes.

Luís Carlos Silva is a National Deputy in Cape Verde, having served as Secretary General of the MpD – Movement for Democracy. He has a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Aveiro and a postgraduate degree in Public Finance from ISCTE. Throughout his parliamentary career, he has been a member and chair of specialized committees, notably the Finance and Budget Committee. He has participated in training for policymakers under the Pró-PALOP program on public finance.

A member of the European Parliament and the Head of the Polish S&D delegation. Holds a PhD in legal sciences with a specialization in EU law. Co-founded the Polish Society of Anti-Discrimination Law and has worked extensively to advance anti-discrimination policies. Elected to the Polish Sejm in 2019, he championed justice reform and LGBTQ+ rights. In 2023, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Justice. Since 2024, he has served as an MEP, contributing to key committees on legal affairs and civil liberties.

Paige Snider is the Senior Partnerships Advisor at the Pandemic Fund, responsible for strengthening engagement with key stakeholders, including sovereign contributors and non-sovereign partners like the private sector, foundations, and philanthropies, and overseeing development of the innovative finance strategy and portfolio.

She brings more than 25 years of experience to the role and is an experienced leader of teams that deliver strategic policy and stakeholder impact. She has a deep background in communications, advocacy, and partnerships with public and private sectors, as well as with NGOs and international organizations. After spending more than a decade designing and managing international economic development projects funded by USAID, she spent close to 15 years in China working to advance global policies and engagement with key counterparts. She spent nearly five years working for the U.S. State Department Economic Section and then from 2017 to 2022 worked at WHO China as the Senior Adviser for Communications and External Relations. Priority areas included policy analysis, partnerships, and communications on expanding access to diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments of communicable diseases, reducing risks associated with noncommunicable diseases, promoting integrated and accessible aging services, and promoting increased health budgets for basic health services.

Seasoned health and governance advocate with a good record of delivering impactful interactions in complex environments. A former MP who focused on healthy equity and community developments worked with VSO RAISA in the SADC region, specializing in HIV/AIDS interventions. A voice for vulnerable children and women, she excelled at bridging the gap between national policy and regional implementation.

Conferences of UNITE have always been encouraging and richly insightful for my job. It has always been a real opportunity to have one-on-one exchanges and discussions on pressing issues. I deeply appreciate UNITE for this.

Ariel serves as the Director of the AHF Global Public Health Institute for Latin America and the Caribbean. Dr. Terron is a medical doctor, graduating from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico. He also holds a Master of Science in Health Policy, Planning, and Financing from the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

His clinical career spans both public and private institutions, with a focus on community medicine and public health in Chiapas, Mexico. He has worked to improve healthcare access for children, adolescents, and pregnant women living with HIV, influencing national public health policies.

Recognized for his dedication to health and innovation, Dr. Terron received an award for innovation in healthcare access from the ESSCA School of Management in Paris in 2018.

Monina Vasquez Vierneza serves as the Global General Counsel & Executive Director, Legal, Compliance, Risk & Assurance (LCRA) at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). In this capacity, Ms. Vierneza is responsible for governance, legal strategy, risk management, and accountability within CEPI, a leading institution in global pandemic preparedness and response. Her remit includes protecting public and philanthropic investments while facilitating swift, coordinated actions to address epidemic and pandemic risks.

Ms. Vierneza oversees the legal and regulatory frameworks for CEPI’s programmes and operations in more than 30 countries, ensuring that the organization’s operating and contracting models align with the expectations of sovereign donors, multilateral institutions, and philanthropic stakeholders. Additionally, she leads CEPI’s Oslo Headquarters, acting as the primary representative in engagements with governmental and diplomatic counterparts.

Kevin Vuong served in Canada’s House of Commons from 2021 to 2025, where he was a member of the Executive Committee for the Canadian Parliamentary Network for the World Bank and IMF. As a first-time father, he did not seek re-election and continues his public service as a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, driving key projects, including a national benchmarking initiative to equip policymakers with the data and metrics to drive better delivery of healthcare services and outcomes.

Carmen Willen currently leads the Governance and External Relations team in the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the first international public health treaty adopted under the auspices of WHO. In this capacity, she coordinates the treaty’s governance processes, oversees diplomatic outreach to maintain strong global commitment to tobacco control and public health, and manages key strategic engagement initiatives, including parliamentary engagement.

From 2021 to 2023, Carmen was seconded to the World Health Organization (WHO), where she contributed to major global health initiatives across several departments, including the WHO COVAX team, supporting equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, and the Department of Health and Multilateral Partnerships, where she strengthened cooperation with global health stakeholders and international development partners.

Throughout her career, Carmen Willen has worked with a range of international and diplomatic institutions around the world. She previously served at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), worked with the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C., and volunteered in Cambodia as a field officer for Transparency International, focusing on anti-corruption and civil society strengthening. She joined the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC in 2015, bringing extensive experience in multilateral negotiation, intergovernmental coordination, and policy advisory work.

She holds a Master’s Degree in International Negotiations and Policy-Making.

I have been a member of the Parliament for Zimbabwe since 2013. Also a member of the Pan African Parliament, a Continental Parliament. I am also on the Budget Committee in Zimbabwe.