Our People

Ota Akhigbe

Director, Partnerships and Programs

Ota Akhigbe is a driving force for social change, shaping healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development across Africa. As Director of Partnerships and Programs at eHA, she steers collaborations with governments, NGOs, and private entities to expand access to essential services.

With over 16 years of experience, Ota has transformed healthcare delivery in underserved communities, strengthened public-private partnerships, and advanced initiatives that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She is known for her ability to bridge diverse perspectives, and drive collective action toward meaningful change.

Beyond eHA, Ota is a Strategic Business Advisor, fostering innovative healthcare solutions and executive networks that accelerate impact. A thought leader and columnist for BusinessDay Media, she advocates for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Recognized among the Top 60 African Women in Development (2022), Ota is a sought-after speaker on healthcare, leadership, and systems change, committed to building a more equitable future.

Ben Igbinosa

Director, Finance and Administration

Ben is a dedicated leader who ensures that systems work seamlessly to support eHealth Africa’s mission. As Director of Finance and Administration, he oversees Finance, Grants & Contracts, Procurement, and Asset Management, ensuring efficiency across teams.

With over 17 years in the development sector, Ben has played a pivotal role in strengthening financial and operational structures for large-scale health programs. His leadership has helped build resilient systems that enhance program impact, earning him recognition for exemplary leadership and operational excellence.

Ben is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (MCIPM), Nigeria, a Member of the Academy of Management, Nigeria, and a member of ISACA, USA. He holds a PhD in Business Administration, an MBA (Finance), a Bachelor of Education/Economics (B.Ed/Economics), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (PGDCS) and remains committed to creating sustainable and effective systems that drive impact.

Atef Fawaz

Executive Director

Atef Fawaz is a versatile leader known for designing efficient, scalable solutions in complex public health environments. As Executive Director of eHA, he leads strategic growth, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring healthcare solutions reach underserved communities.

Since joining eHA in 2012, Atef has spearheaded crisis responses, including the Ebola outbreak in Lagos, established Polio Emergency Operations Centers across Africa, and expanded eHA’s reach to 24 countries. His ability to simplify complexity and align diverse stakeholders has strengthened disease surveillance and emergency response systems at scale.

Atef holds a BSc in Computer Communications Engineering and an MSc in Global Studies, blending technical expertise with a deep understanding of global health challenges.

Maryam Muhammed

Senior Manager, Executive Strategy & Operations

Maryam Muhammed has expertise in governance, legal advisory, and organizational management. As Senior Manager, Executive Strategy & Operations at eHealth Africa (eHA), she drives strategic planning, OKR execution, and high-level stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment between leadership, the Board, and operational teams.

Since joining eHA in 2021, she has optimized goal-tracking systems, moderated executive retreats, and spearheaded key initiatives that enhance organizational efficiency and impact. Previously, she played a pivotal role in sovereign fund recovery, regulatory policy drafting, and legal advisory to state governments.

A First-Class law graduate and member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Maryam thrives on solving complex challenges. Outside work, she enjoys exploring psychology, philosophy, and human decision-making.

Nirmal Ravi

Director, Medical and Scientific Affairs

Dr. Nirmal Ravi is a physician and scientist with 20+ years of experience in medicine, biomedical science, and public health. As a medical doctor and Director of Medical and Scientific Affairs, he leads innovations in digital health, AI, and laboratory systems to strengthen healthcare across Africa.

He has spearheaded the expansion of ISO-accredited diagnostic labs, AI-driven clinical decision tools, and FHIR-compliant EMRs, shaping the future of primary care and disease surveillance. His work with WHO, UNICEF, USAID, and the Gates Foundation has driven impactful health system transformations.

With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and an MD from the University of Kentucky, Dr. Ravi is dedicated to advancing high-quality, accessible healthcare for underserved populations. Dr. Ravi finds joy in the simple things—rice and beans with Efo riro, a cold Lagos lager, and watching the sunset by the water.

Abdulhamid Yahaya

Deputy Director, Global Health Informatics

Abdulhamid leads eHA’s Informatics division, overseeing Software Development, DevOps, Data & Systems Engineering, Network Administration, and ICT to deliver scalable, secure, and high-impact technology solutions. He ensures digital innovation aligns with eHA’s mission, optimizing systems for efficiency and reliability.

Beyond eHA, he is a Board Member at Pentest Cybersecurity Institute, advising on cybersecurity strategy. As CEO of Aurora Wireless Ltd., he expanded the company into Internet Service Provision (ISP) and digital payments.

He holds an MBA, MSc in Computer Science, and BSc in Mathematics, along with Lean Six Sigma and cybersecurity certifications, shaping the future of IT governance and digital security. Outside work, he enjoys chess, squash, and traveling.

Mohammed Sani Giwa

Manager, Operations

Mohammed Sani Giwa is a seasoned operations leader with expertise in project execution, resource optimization, and stakeholder engagement. As Manager of Operations at eHA, he ensures seamless project delivery, operational efficiency, and strong collaboration across teams.

Since joining eHA in 2016, he has led multiple infrastructure expansion and rehabilitation projects, optimized fleet operations, enhanced facility management, and strengthened safety measures to protect staff and assets.

He holds an MBA from Bayero University, Kano, and a degree in Accountancy from the University of Maiduguri. A member of IFMA, he stays at the forefront of industry best practices. Beyond work, he enjoys family time and exploring new technologies.

Catherine Mitchell

Controller

Catherine oversees eHA’s accounting and compliance across multiple countries, ensuring financial integrity and regulatory alignment. With expertise in financial planning, cash flow management, and strategic investments, she plays a key role in strengthening financial systems and optimizing resources.

She joined eHA Liberia during the Ebola outbreak, enhancing financial structures and donor reporting to the CDC Foundation. Previously, she spent a decade in commercial and investment banking in Atlanta and New York before transitioning to non-profit financial management in Africa to align her career with meaningful impact.

A committed community leader, Catherine serves as a board member for a local non-profit and actively volunteers for area schools and sporting groups. She holds an MBA in Finance from Emory University and a BSBA in Finance & Risk Management from the University of Florida.

Fozia Ahmad Malik

Deputy Director, People & Organizational Strategy

Fozia Malik has expertise in finance, grants management, workforce planning, and risk mitigation. As Deputy Director, People & Organizational Strategy at eHA, she drives talent development, performance management, and operational efficiency, ensuring teams are equipped to deliver on organizational goals.

Since joining eHA in 2018, she has optimized team structures to manage multi-million-dollar portfolios, and introduced risk management and financial review tools to improve accountability and collaboration. With a hands-on approach, she identifies gaps, refines processes, and scales improvements to enhance efficiency.

Fozia is deeply curious about human behaviors, leveraging insights to create high-impact solutions. A member of the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), she holds an MBA from the National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan, and believes continuous learning is key to lasting success.

Kazeem Balogun

Deputy Director, Supply Chain Management

Since joining eHA in 2020, he has enhanced government capacity for emergency response, led the establishment of emergency operations centers in 24 African countries, and worked with WHO Africa to strengthen polio lab surveillance. Known for his ability to drive execution in ambiguous circumstances, he navigates high-stakes environments to deliver impactful solutions.

Beyond eHA, Kazeem has worked on multi-country health initiatives, collaborating with global and regional organizations to strengthen health systems and improve service delivery. He holds an MSc in Social Work (Community Development) and certifications in project management and partnership brokering.

A board member of two Nigerian non-profits, he actively contributes to public health and social development. Outside work, he enjoys football, movies, and music.

Kazeem is a supply chain and public health emergency expert with a strong track record in stakeholder management and execution in complex environments. As Deputy Director, Supply Chain Management at eHA, he leads critical logistics, cold chain optimization, and outbreak preparedness, ensuring rapid and effective health interventions across Sub-Saharan Africa.

David Akpan

Deputy Director, Programs and Partnerships

David Akpan brings expertise in public health, digital transformation, and organizational growth. As Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships at eHA, he drives strategy, project execution, and partnership expansion to amplify impact across innovations, countries, and programs.

A thought leader, he initiated the Insight Webinar & Learning Forum and led the digitalization of climate vulnerability assessments and program management systems. His research contributions include 20+ scientific publications and eight peer-reviewed articles, reinforcing eHA’s role in evidence-based health solutions.

He is the 2023 recipient of the Marc Mitchell Leadership and Innovation Global Award in Digital Health and creator of CHILD Monitor®, USAID Nigeria’s top OVC Program innovation (2023). With extensive experience in health information systems, he has advised USAID programs across Africa and contributed to UNICEF-backed research on child protection frameworks.

He holds a PhD from LIGS University and an MPH from the University of Roehampton, London. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH), UK, he is also a member of AAPM, UK. Beyond work, he enjoys cycling, his favorite way to commute and explore.

Sylvia Bolanle Adebajo

Member, Board of Directors

Sylvia Bolanle Adebajo joined eHA on May 30th, 2024...

Sylvia Bolanle Adebajo joined eHA on May 30th, 2024. She is a Senior Research Adviser, at the Institute of Human Virology in Nigeria, a non-governmental organization that focuses on HIV/AIDS-related problems in Nigeria and she is also the Country Director at Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation, Nigeria a nonprofit affiliate of the University of Maryland Baltimore that supports the implementation of the University of Maryland Baltimore's international programs.

With nearly Three decades of professional experience in the Public health sector, Ms Adebajo is currently a member of the Steering Committee, National Institute of Health-funded Fogarty Program; an Integrated Network of Scholars in Global Health Research Training (INSIGHT). Having held other leadership and administrative roles within and outside Nigeria, She is a Reviewer at, the National Health Research Ethics Committee, Nigeria, and has previously worked as a research assistant at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Sylvia Adebajo is renowned for both her academic and professional experience in Nigeria and abroad. She is a graduate of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, the University of Toronto, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where she was also a research assistant. With over 100 journal articles and academic publications, Adebajo can be described as an erudite scholar.

Micheline Ntiru

Member, Board of Directors

Micheline joined the Board of Directors at eHealth Africa in January 2019. She is a coach and business facilitator for Stanford University’s Global Business School SEED program

Micheline joined the Board of Directors at eHealth Africa in January 2019. She is a coach and business facilitator for Stanford University’s Global Business School SEED program, an initiative to transform business and leadership practice among high-performing CEOs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors in Africa. In addition, she provides portfolio and deal structuring advice to private equity and venture capital investors in Europe and North America.

Micheline brings to us over 20 years of experience in SME growth, impact investment, sustainability and public health management across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States. She has worked with leading companies such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group, where she managed a team of 25 staff spread across seven countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to develop advisory strategies on corporate governance, energy efficiency, supply chain strengthening and community engagement for companies in the agribusiness, extractives, financial and manufacturing sectors. Prior to that role, she was the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager for Africa and the Middle East at Nokia. She pioneered the use of mobiles for health data collection and collaborated with other organizations to the develop mobile solutions for high school level maths.

Within the public health space, she has held several management and advisory positions with leading nonprofit organizations on thematic areas such as maternal and child health, Malaria and HIV/AIDS and public health nutrition. As the Associate Director, Africa for Rockefeller International in Nairobi, Kenya, Micheline was responsible for the strategy development and execution of a multimillion dollar country program to link youths to digital skills and employment opportunities, responsible for strategy development and execution. She also consulted for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to develop a national health strategy and costing framework in Papua New Guinea. Drawing on her senior management positions with both private and public sector organizations and across multiple sectors including economic development, finance, health, agriculture, and education, she currently serves as a Director on the Board of Oxford Policy Management (OPM), a leading policy advisory international development firm.

She received her B.Sc in Biology from Mount Holyoke College, USA. She also holds an MSc in Nutrition and Public Health from Tufts University, USA and an MBA from University of Cambridge, UK.

My T. Le

Member, Board of Directors

My T. Le joined eHA’s Advisory Board in 2010 and eHA’s Board of Directors in January 2017.

My T. Le joined eHA’s Advisory Board in 2010 and eHA’s Board of Directors in January 2017. My is a lecturer in the Electrical Engineering Department at Stanford University. She also serves as the Founding Director of the Stanford Gap For Good Program, a program that enables students to work with leading NGOs and nonprofits on global health and sustainable development projects.

In addition, My invests in and advises startup companies in the US, Canada, and India. My joined the startup company Granite Systems, which was later acquired by Cisco Systems. At Cisco, she gained extensive design and development experience in networking components. She performed a multiplicity of roles during her tenure at Cisco, including serving as an architect and designer for a project that created a next generation high performance router. My also served as the architect for a project that delivers a new routing and switching engine for a key product in the Enterprise Line of Business. She has additional industrial experience working with the Global Health Research Foundation, GreenPlug, Jooners, and Benetech. My obtained both her MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. My received her BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Davis.

Andrew Karlyn

Member, Board of Directors

Andrew joined eHA’s Board of Directors in January 2017. Andrew is the Board Member for Strategy and Governance at eHealth Africa...

As Principal Associate with Bowen-Karlyn Consulting and Board Member for Strategy and Governance at eHealth Africa, Andrew focus lies in creating user-centered technology solutions that enhance public health outcomes in West Africa. With expertise in user experience and product management, his recent work includes leading strategic initiatives that foster innovation and drive impactful behavioral interventions.

Formerly, he served as USAID’s Global Development Lab’s Africa Regional Advisor . In this role, he supported USAID’s digital finance initiatives in health, social protection, agriculture, and democracy and governance programs. Andrew was a principal contributor to The Population Council’s mHealth initiatives. This work spans over 30 projects in HIV prevention and treatment; maternal and newborn health; and poverty, gender, and youth interventions.

Andrew has designed and implemented technology deployments across Africa, including the delivery of pre- and post-test HIV counseling via mobile phones. Additional technology solutions he’s implemented include mobile job-aids and task-shifting tools for low-literate community health workers, the application of mobile phones to survey sampling techniques, and the deployment of point-of-service user self-assessment tools in low-resource healthcare settings. Andrew previously served as the Country Director for the Population Council in Nigeria. Prior to that role, he was the lead behavioral scientist on the Truvada PrEP clinical trial at CDC Botswana. Andrew has worked in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia for over 18 years, providing technical assistance to research initiatives, policy analysis, advocacy development, program design, and monitoring and evaluation systems. He has conducted evaluations for a variety of clients, which include: community-based organizations, host governments, multilateral and bilateral international donors, national and international NGOs, and UN agencies. Andrew has extensive experience working in conflict and post-conflict settings delivering emergency aid and health care, facilitating epidemiological surveillance and social appraisals, and assisting with transitions to sustainable development.

Andrew holds a PhD in Public Health and Demography from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He earned both his MA in Bio-medical Anthropology and his BA in Anthropology and International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania.

Adam Thompson

Vice Chair, Board of Directors

Adam co-founded eHA in 2009.

He served as Executive Director from 2009 to 2021, during that period, Adam provided executive management for the entire organization. Adam leveraged his expertise in global health and informatics to strategically innovate and lead eHA’s business development, research, private sector engagement, and health information technology initiatives. Furthermore, he also headed eHA’s country offices in Nigeria and eHA’s Global Health Informatics Teams, which is inclusive of GIS, Software, and IT Systems.

Adam Thompson is an innovator, strategic disruptor, and transformation specialist. Adam is recognized for his exemplary leadership, innovative mindset, communication skills, and proven track record of success. Adam believes in the transformative power of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors working together. He believes that as local and global communities, we can reimagine sustainable financing for public health delivery systems, strategically deploy new medical technologies, and accelerate equitable access to lifesaving services. Adam has over 20 years of professional experience and brings a unique perspective in shaping new ideas to tackle our most significant global challenges. Experience includes: Current positions as the CEO at EHA Clinics, a start-up health company in Nigeria, and President at eha Impact Ventures, a philanthropic impact investing organization. Previously, he was the Executive Director of eHealth Africa, which played a pivotal role in the polio, ebola, and covid emergency responses. Adam received his BSc from The University of California, Santa Cruz, in Information Systems Management.

Evelyn Castle

Chair & Secretary, Board of Directors

Evelyn co-founded eHA in 2009. She served as Executive Director from 2009 to 2021.

Evelyn co-founded eHA in 2009. She served as Executive Director from 2009 to 2021, during that period she provided executive management for the entire organization as well as programmatic and strategic leadership in the framework of eHA's business development and relationship building. She also headed eHA’s office in Sierra Leone and provided thought-leadership for eHA’s strategic capacity building.

Evelyn Castle is a pioneering health executive and impact investor. After spending over a decade working in the health sector in Africa, she is now committed to building Africa’s impact investing ecosystem, with the specific goal of supporting female-owned small and medium-sized enterprises. As the co-founder of 3 social ventures; eHealth Africa, EHA Clinics, and eha Impact Ventures, Evelyn Castle brings vast knowledge and expertise to her role supporting SMEs. Evelyn, a California native, co-founded eHA in 2010 with Adam Thompson. She notably oversaw fundraising efforts that resulted in the organization drawing in over $250 million during a 10-year period, and also spearheaded initiatives that resulted in the eradication of polio from Nigeria and the containment of Ebola in West Africa. In July 2018, Evelyn Castle entered the private healthcare industry and co-founded EHA Clinics, a network of primary health care providers, with the goal to become the premier healthcare provider in Nigeria. At eHA and EHA Clinics, Evelyn saw firsthand the challenges with implementing projects and running companies in Africa -- including infrastructure, security, human resources, and corruption challenges. She believes that aid can be an incredible resource to solving public health crises’ such as polio and ebola, but supporting the local economy and business ecosystem may be a better solution to achieving sustainable change within the region. In service of this mission, Evelyn Castle is a venture investor through eha Impact Ventures, which she co-founded in January 2021. In addition to being a thought leader in impact investing, she frequently speaks about gender investing, social impact, and health tech in Africa at conferences and public forums.

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Executive Team

Ota Akhigbe

Ben Igbinosa

Atef Fawaz

Management Team

Maryam Muhammed

Nirmal Ravi

Abdulhamid Yahaya

Mohammed Sani Giwa

Catherine Mitchell

Fozia Ahmad Malik

Kazeem Balogun

David Akpan

Board of Directors

Sylvia Bolanle Adebajo

Micheline Ntiru

My T. Le

Andrew Karlyn

Adam Thompson

Evelyn Castle

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