News and Publications

Mr. Omphemetse Kgomongwe

Co-Founder and Executive Director of AI BizHive

Omphemetse Kgomongwe is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of AI BizHive, a pan-African platform dedicated to accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence in key sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education. In this role, he leads the company’s strategic direction, forges cross-industry partnerships, and drives the development of AI-powered solutions tailored to the needs of communities and businesses across the continent.

Mr. Kgomongwe has over 20 years of executive leadership experience across various sectors, including mining, energy, agriculture, and technology. Since 2007, he has served as the Executive Director of Omphile Investments, where he has managed investments in high-impact areas and promoted innovation and inclusive growth. His focus is on creating long-term value through sustainable development and digital transformation.

From 2015 to 2019, he served on the Minerals and Petroleum Board of South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), providing strategic guidance on national policy and regulatory matters affecting the extractive industries.

At AI BizHive, Mr. Kgomongwe’s leadership is rooted in a vision to position Africa as a significant player in the global AI economy. He is particularly passionate about applying AI to address real-world challenges, such as digital health and food security, while ensuring ethical, accessible, and community-centered deployment of technology. He also plays a key role in mentoring startups and collaborating with policymakers to support innovative and friendly ecosystems.

His core competencies include strategic leadership, business development, stakeholder engagement, regulatory navigation, and technology integration. He also advocates for mental health, creative arts, and youth empowerment—values that guide his approach to inclusive innovation.

Dr. Shawna Novak MD, MA, MM Sc-GHD, EdD(c), FRSPH

Shawna Novak, MD, MA, MMSc-GHD, FRSPH is the Executive Director of the Canada International Scientific Exchange Program (CISEPO). She has over 25 years of experience in health system strengthening and peacebuilding through her work with the Canada International Scientific Exchange Program (CISEPO), Harvard Medical School, the Canadian Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. Her initiatives have received support from organizations such as Ashoka Changemakers, United Way, the Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT), and Global Affairs Canada.

Dr. Novak earned her master’s degree from Harvard Medical School and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine. She is a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and an associate faculty member at Ariadne Labs in Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Additionally, she has served as a clinical public health advisor for the Global Health Unit of the Canadian Red Cross and as a consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO) in the MENA region. Her clinical background is in internal medicine and cardiology, and she holds designations in public health, and disaster and humanitarian relief.

Her work employs a systems-based and person-centred approach to improve access to care, particularly in conflict-affected and resource-limited settings. She specializes in health system innovation utilizing digital interventions, AI, and telehealth, and focuses on health workforce training and implementation science to address gaps in translating evidence into practice. Her projects often emphasize multilateral engagement and global communities of practice that address capabilities and capacity building.

Dr. Novak serves on the boards and committees of several international organizations, including the CIHR anti-racism committee, Elhra-Avicena regional (eastern Mediterranean) expert group on SRHR, Women for Dignity and Development Foundation, the Canada Afghanistan Association of Health Professionals, the Save a Child’s Heart Canada Medical Advisory Committee, the WHO Civil Society Advisory Commission, the WHO Migrant and Refugee Health Advisory Committee, the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) Health Workforce Committee, and the Scientific Committee of the International Society of Telemedicine.

A retired national team triathlete, she competed internationally for over a decade and earned multiple World Cup medals and other podium finishes.

Ms. Huguette Diakabana

Ms. Huguette Diakabana is a global change strategist, tech-for-good entrepreneur, and a trusted advisor to prominent multilateral institutions. With over 16 years of experience in driving digital transformation and promoting inclusive innovation across more than 40 countries, she focuses on developing comprehensive solutions that address equity gaps in health, education, and digital economies.

As Founder and CEO of The Luminous Agency, an innovation studio focused on harnessing technology to create public value and promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals, she leads a team that mobilizes catalytic capital, builds impactful public-private partnerships, and transforms bold ideas into programs that attract investment. An advocate for ethical AI, data governance, and strategies for frontier markets, she has influenced policy and practice at the World Health Organization, Harvard Medical School, the International Telecommunication Union, and the Global Index on Responsible AI.

Huguette is a Senior Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a faculty member in the Executive Education program at Harvard Medical School. She previously served as co-chair of the WHO Digital Health Technical Advisory Group. Her influence reaches boardrooms and policymaking discussions, where she focuses on aligning innovation with principles of equity, trust, and accountability. Her leadership has been recognized by various organizations, including IEEE, WHO, Aspen Global Innovators, and Columbia University.

Fluent in English, French, and Lingala, with working knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, and Arabic, Huguette operates seamlessly across various cultures and sectors. As a sought-after keynote speaker, moderator, and facilitator, she has participated in global forums such as the UN, World Economic Forum, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and RightsCon.

PUBLICATIONS

Greenleaf AR, Millington M, Robles-Torres L, Asiimwe F, Diakabana H, Francis SD, Mharadze T, Justman J. Mobile phone ownership among young adults in seven Southern African countries. J Glob Health. 2025;15:04123. https://jogh.org/2025/jogh-15-04123

Dr. Marlon D. Joseph, PhD, MPH,

Dr. Marlon D. Joseph, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public and Allied Health at Morgan State University’s School of Community Health and Policy. He holds a PhD in Epidemiology from Boston University, an MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the City University of New York, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Mathematics from St. Francis College, where he was recognized as a Presidential Scholar and International Student.

With over a decade of academic and research experience, Dr. Joseph has taught extensively in the areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, bioethics, microbiology, and U.S. healthcare systems. Prior to joining Morgan State University, he served as an Assistant Professor at St. Francis College, where he made significant contributions to curriculum development and mentored student research. He led several interdisciplinary initiatives, including the annual Women’s Health Research Conference and Summer Science Academy.

Dr. Joseph’s work in global public health includes serving as a technical advisor for the EU-LAC Health Project, representing Trinidad and Tobago at international workshops, and collaborating with stakeholders to establish health research priorities. His research interests cover reproductive health, cancer prevention, chronic disease epidemiology, and public health issues in Caribbean populations. He has published in peer-reviewed journals such as Andrology, Fertility and Sterility, and the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health.

In addition to his academic and research roles, Dr. Joseph is deeply committed to science outreach and community health education. He has volunteered in environmental and public health initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean and continues to engage in local science education programs. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Public Health Association, the Society for Epidemiologic Research, and the Public Health Association of New York City.

Dr. Rajeev Rao Eashwari, MD

Dr. Eashwari is a distinguished physician and a highly experienced healthcare IT leader with a proven track record in shaping digital health strategies and their implementation. His strategic thinking and understanding of national healthcare priorities were evident in his involvement in the development of the National Digital Health Strategy for South Africa.

Dr. Eashwari’s foundational medical training includes a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B., B.S) completed in 1982, followed by a master’s degree in forensic medicine from Osmania Medical College, Osmania University, Telangana, India, in 1991.

His commitment to advancing healthcare through technology led him to further expand his expertise with an advanced course in Health Informatics in 2003, from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) and in telemedicine through the Foreign Telemedicine program at the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) in 2006, with a focus on medical reconnaissance and special operations.

Currently, Dr. Eashwari leads the South African Health Informatics Association (SAHIA) as its President, advocating for the effective integration of informatics in healthcare. His commitment to continental collaboration is further demonstrated through his role as Chair of the Pan African Telehealth Network (PATN), a significant subcommittee of the Health Informatics Association of Africa (HELINA), where he champions the use of technology to expand healthcare access and achieve universal coverage across Africa.

Dr. Eashwari has driven digital transformation within healthcare systems in South Africa. His broad expertise encompasses not only Health Informatics, Telehealth, and Population Health Management, but also critical areas such as extensive Hospital Management experience and a strong grounding in Medico-legal aspects. He is also actively engaged with the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Throughout his career, his unwavering focus has been on strategically leveraging technology to realize universal healthcare coverage and to optimize the clinical continuum of care, ensuring more efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

Awards:

National awards from the Centre for Public Service Innovation in the Department of Public Service Administration in the category “Using technology to improve quality of service provided to the community”

· 2013: Innovative use of ICT for effective service delivery- teleradiology project

· 2014: Innovative use of ICTs for Effective Service Delivery: Population Health Management using digital pen technology

Provincial Award -MASEA MECs Award:

· 2015: Project eICU (electronic ICU)

Dr. Randall C. Morgan, Jr., MD, MBA,

Randall C. Morgan, Jr., MD, MBA, is the President and CEO of the W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute based in Washington, D.C. In that role, he leads a staff of scholars and research specialists who focus on eliminating health disparities. He is also an active orthopedic surgeon who has practiced in Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida since 2005. He serves as founder and President of University Park Orthopedics in that community. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Florida State School of Medicine and is also a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Community Medicine at the University of Connecticut. He is a graduate of Grinnell College with a B.A. in Chemistry. He received an M.D. degree from Howard University. He served as a resident in Orthopedic Surgery at Northwestern University and served a Pediatric Orthopedic Fellowship at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati. He later received an MBA degree from the University of South Florida.

Dr. Morgan served as the 95th President of the National Medical Association during the years 1996 and 1997. He was the first board-certified orthopedic surgeon to hold that position. Dr. Morgan is a true pioneer in his profession and was among the first surgeons to perform total joint replacement surgery at Northwestern University. Dr. Morgan has practiced General Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatric Orthopedics in Evanston, Illinois, and as well in his hometown of Gary, Indiana, for more than 30 years prior to his relocation to Sarasota. With the assistance of his father, Mr. Randall C. Morgan, Sr., he founded the Orthopedic Centers of Northwest Indiana and served as its president from 1975 to 1999. At one time, this was the largest minority-owned orthopedic practice in the United States. He has written and published extensively throughout his career on Orthopedics, Social Responsibility, Health Equity and the Education Pipeline for Underrepresented young scholars. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and the American Board of Managed Care Medicine. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of Alpha Omega Alpha honorary medical society.

Dr. Lynette Moretlo Molefi, MD

Dr. Lynette Moretlo Molefi is a South African medical doctor, dynamic entrepreneur, and business executive, known for her exemplary leadership and pioneering work in telemedicine in South Africa and across Africa. She has been a trailblazer in the field, advocating for telemedicine at various levels of government and within non-governmental organizations.

Dr. Molefi completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at MEDUNSA in 1995 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Lesotho, completed in 1989. In addition to her medical qualifications, she earned a Diploma in Telemedicine from the University of Arkansas in 1998 and later pursued a Senior Management Program at Stellenbosch in 2005. She further expanded her expertise in telemedicine through the Foreign Telemedicine program at the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) in 2006, focusing on medical reconnaissance and special operations.

In 2012, Dr. Molefi founded an eHealth consultancy business, concentrating on eHealth program management, distance medical services, and telemedicine consulting. Her work aims to develop ICT-based healthcare solutions for both clinical and educational purposes, with a specific focus on developing countries. Dr. Molefi has played a key role in advancing rural healthcare connectivity in South Africa, spearheading a successful Telemedicine pilot project in partnership with Motorola and the State Information Technology Agency. This initiative utilized wireless systems to enhance healthcare delivery in the Limpopo province.

Her contributions to the field of telemedicine have earned her recognition on the global stage. In 2007, she became the first woman, and the only African woman, to serve on the board of the International Society of Telemedicine and eHealth, which represents 56 countries. Dr. Molefi has also presented at various high-profile symposiums, including a workshop hosted by the Canadian Space Agency, where she discussed the use of spatial planning in healthcare.

Dr. Molefi’s leadership extends beyond her entrepreneurial and medical ventures. She is known for her strategic vision, having successfully led public-private partnership (PPP) projects and made significant contributions to healthcare management and governance. She has also been a strong advocate for the adoption of telemedicine and mHealth technologies, especially in underserved regions.

Her skills in leadership, strategic planning, and financial management have enabled her to navigate both the public and private sectors effectively. With a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and equity in healthcare delivery, Dr. Molefi continues to make a profound impact on the global health landscape, promoting innovative healthcare solutions that bridge the gap in access to quality care.

Professor (Dr) Modest Mulenga, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senior Medical Researcher at the Lusaka Apex Medical University.

Prof. Modest Mulenga is a distinguished Zambian physician and a leading international expert in tropical and infectious diseases. He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senior Medical Researcher at Lusaka Apex Medical University (LAM University) in Zambia. He is also an Associate Professor of Tropical and Infectious Disease Research, where his expertise and contributions continue to shape the field.

Prof. Mulenga’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Zambia in 1987. To further deepen his knowledge, he pursued a Master of Science in Infection and Health in the Tropics, graduating with distinction from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. In 2003, he completed his PhD in Tropical and Infectious Diseases from the University of London, UK. Additionally, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Tropical Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians of London and a Diploma in Health Systems Management from Galilee College in Israel.

Prof. Mulenga’s career spans over 25 years, during which he has made significant contributions to medical research and public health. He previously served as the Executive Director and Principal Medical Researcher at the Tropical Diseases Research Centre, a leading national health research institute in Zambia, where he dedicated more than two decades to advancing research in tropical and infectious diseases. His work has been instrumental in addressing poverty-related diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.

Prof. Mulenga has held numerous prestigious leadership roles in national and international research advisory bodies. He was the Vice Chair of the National AIDS Research and Ethics Committee under Zambia’s National AIDS Council. He served as a member of the Zambian government’s National Health Research Advisory Committee. He also chaired the National Nutrition Research Committee of the Nutrition Commission of Zambia, underscoring his commitment to improving public health.

Internationally, Dr. Mulenga was the Vice Chairman of the Developing Countries Coordinating Committee for the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) and chaired the Joint Coordinating Board of the WHO/UNDP/UNICEF and World Bank Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO/TDR) from 2015 to 2018. He is currently a valued member of the WHO-AFRO African Advisory Committee on Health Research and Development, serving under the Regional Director.

Throughout his career, Prof. Mulenga has been dedicated to academic excellence, supervising PhD and MSc students and collaborating with esteemed colleagues from institutions such as the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Belgium. He has also served as an external examiner and previously as an honorary senior lecturer before becoming an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases Research and Public Health at Copperbelt University, Zambia. He is a proud Fellow of the Zambia Academy of Sciences, having served as the Chair of the Medical and Health Research Committee on the Academy’s Governing Council.

Prof. Mulenga’s contributions to medical research are extensive, with numerous publications and peer-reviewed articles in respected journals. His teaching, research, and clinical efforts focus on clinical epidemiology and the development of effective interventions to control and prevent infectious diseases. His work continues to make a lasting impact in the fight against tropical diseases and global health challenges.

Dr. Nkaki Matlala, MD

Dr. Nkaki Matlala is a retired general surgeon with a distinguished career spanning across healthcare practice, education, and innovation. He completed his undergraduate medical education at Michigan State University in the United States before embarking on a successful private practice in Pretoria, South Africa, where he made notable contributions to the local healthcare system.

He subsequently went back to school to complete his surgical training at the Medical University of Southern Africa, and he became board-certified by the College of Medicine of South Africa. He later took on the role of senior general surgical consultant and served as a lecturer at the Medical University of Southern Africa, sharing his expertise with the next generation of healthcare professionals.

From the outset of his medical career, Dr. Matlala has been deeply interested in the sociopolitical factors that influence access to healthcare and its quality. This passion drove him to pioneer one of South Africa’s earliest telemedicine initiatives, aiming to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved areas. His work in this field led him to collaborate with physicians from the United States and across Africa, founding the International Medical Exchange over twenty-eight years ago. The organization focuses on uniting professionals within the diaspora to address the critical healthcare challenges facing the African continent, with Dr. Matlala’s leadership serving as a constant source of inspiration.

In addition to his work in telemedicine, Dr. Matlala served as Executive Director at Mediclinic, where he played a key role in developing and implementing clinical governance programs. These initiatives, focused on reducing medical errors and enhancing clinical care, highlighted his unwavering commitment to patient safety and the advancement of healthcare standards.

Dr. Matlala also recognizes the transformative potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in improving healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-constrained regions. His commitment to leveraging technology to enhance healthcare access remains a cornerstone of his career.

In retirement, Dr. Matlala is dedicating his time to advancing community-oriented primary healthcare systems, with a special focus on integrating Artificial Intelligence to improve efficiency and accessibility. His enduring dedication to healthcare improvement continues to shape his work and legacy.

PROF. S. YUNKAP KWANKAM, Ph.D.

Prof. S. Yunkap Kwankam is a world-renowned expert on digital health. He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and was elected to the following American honor associations: Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering), Tau Beta Pi (Engineering), and Sigma Xi (Research).

He is currently CEO of Global eHealth Consultants, a Geneva-based consultancy which has developed national digital health policies and strategies for several countries and international organizations. He is also the Executive Director of the International Society for Telemedicine and eHealth (ISfTeH) and Chairman of Telenethealth International. He serves, or has served, on several digital health advisory bodies, including: the Global Alliance for Health and Social Compact Advisory Board; World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Digital Health; Innovation Working Group Task Force on the Global Knowledge Commons for m-eHealth (Co-Chair); International Council of Nurses eHealth Strategy Advisory Group, Mobile Health Global Advisory Committee, of the Mobile World Capital’s mHealth Competence Center, Barcelona, Spain; Care Innovation Corporation (Chief Innovation Adviser); African Development Bank eHealth Awards Committee (Co-Chair); WHOPMNCH Advisory group on ICT for health; and SatelLife Board of Directors.

As founding Chief of eHealth at the World Health Organization HQ, Geneva (2004 – 2008), he was responsible for the overall coordination of eHealth across the Organization and Executive Head of the Global Observatory for eHealth (GOe). Before joining WHO in 2001, he was a Professor and Director at the Center for Health Technology at the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon. He has also served as a consultant to WHO, ITU, UNIDO, the World Bank, and the US National Library of Medicine (NLM).

HONOR INCLUDE

Lifetime Achievement Award, Global Digital Health Summit, Expo & Innovation Awards, New Delhi (2022; Founding Fellow and Treasurer, Cameroon Academy of Science (CAS).

PUBLICATIONS

Two commissioned books – (commissioned by IDRC and UNESCO); Numerous peer-reviewed papers, and technical reports.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE:

Managing health technology throughout the value chain – discovery, development, diffusion, and deployment
Knowledge creation/generation and knowledge translation/transfer
Capacity building for digital health
Digital health policy and strategy development and implementation at national and institutional levels

LANGUAGES: Fluent in English and French (understanding, speaking, reading, and writing)

Doris Browne, M.D., M.P.H.

President and CEO, Browne and Associates, LLC.
118th President of the National Medical Association

Dr. Browne is President/CEO, Browne and Associates, LLC, a health consulting company that addresses national and global health inequities, a medical oncologist, and the 118th President

of the National Medical Association. As President of the NMA, she focused on a Collaborative Approach to Health Equity entitled “The Urgency of Now: Creating a Culture for Health Equity. She tirelessly champion causes that significantly contribute to improving the health status of vulnerable populations. She achieved national and international recognition as an expert educator and speaker and has been either featured or quoted in many news articles, Podcasts, webinars, and Op-Eds in addition to publishing scientific articles, book chapter and textbook. Her public health background includes health education programs on cancer, women’s health, climate health and environmental justice, sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, and radiation casualties, including use of telehealth and other innovations. Dr Browne also participated in an international disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance program

for 17 West African Nations. She is passionate about achieving health equity through increased participation of underrepresented populations in clinical trials research. She is a retired Colonel from the U. S. Army, Medical Corps and retired from National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute where she managed the breast cancer portfolio. Dr. Browne is a graduate of Tougaloo College (BS), UCLA (MPH), and Georgetown University (M.D.) and

completed an internship, residency, and fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Hematology-Oncology. She is a member of numerous professional and civic organizations including the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), International Medical Exchange (IME), Trinity Episcopal Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is the recipient of plentiful awards including the NIH Merit Award and Top Blacks in Healthcare Award.

Dr. Josiah K. Halm, MD., M.S., FHM., FACP., CMQ,

Josiah K. Halm, MD., M.S., FHM., FACP., CMQ, is a Professor in the Department of Hospital Medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Halm earned his medical degree from the University of Ghana Medical School and completed his residency at Chicago’s Cook County Hospital. He was awarded an NIH-NRSA primary care research fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he pursued a master’s in clinical epidemiology and was also a clinical instructor in medicine. He subsequently joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin Medical School, Milwaukee campus, as an academic hospitalist and served as the medical director of the hospitalist program. He joined MD Anderson in 2008 as an assistant professor and rose through the academic ranks, achieving professor in 2020. He served as the section chief of Hospital Medicine from 2013 to 2020 and was named founding chair ad interim when the section was elevated to a department in December 2020 and named chair after a national search in June 2024.

As one of the pioneers of onco-hospital medicine, Halm has spent more than 16 years developing and growing this subspecialty whose experts play a vital role in treating acutely ill hospitalized cancer patients, and in 2015, he was nationally recognized as one of the top 10 hospitalists by the American College of Physicians.

Under Halm’s leadership, the Hospital Medicine program has grown to become the largest inpatient service at MD Anderson and one of the largest hospital medicine groups in a comprehensive cancer center in the nation. It is both nationally and internationally recognized. Currently, there are 40 faculty, 30 advanced practice providers, and 11 clinical pharmacists, and the team’s clinical activity has grown by 73.7% in the past five years. During the COVID pandemic, Hospital Medicine served as the primary inpatient care provider for all COVID cancer patients. The team now provides 24/7/365 coverage through its onco-hospitalist nocturnal service, which has improved patient flow safety and the patient experience.

In the area of education, the Department of Hospital Medicine has two first-in-class programs in the joint MDA-Baylor internal medicine residency program and Onco-hospital fellowship programs under his leadership.

Dr Halm is also passionate about quality improvement and patient safety and has led numerous projects with colleagues across the institution. He was one the first of two faculty members in the Institution to be certified in medical quality by the American Board of Medical Quality (ABMQ) and is a member of the American College of Medical Quality (ACMQ).

Beyond MD Anderson, Halm has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to educate and train providers in low- and middle-income nations. Specifically, in Ghana, his country of birth, he has worked with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons on topics including patient safety, quality improvement, and the role of the onco-hospitalist, and he has been involved in the development of Project ECHO – Ghana.