Top 10: Leaders in Healthcare in MEA
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is witnessing a new era in healthcare, driven by visionary leaders who are reshaping the landscape of medical services, public health and healthcare innovation.
This article spotlights the Top 10 healthcare leaders from across MEA, a diverse group of professionals whose influence extends far beyond their respective countries. Their collective efforts are not only improving healthcare delivery and accessibility but also positioning MEA as a hub for medical excellence and technological advancement in the global healthcare arena.
10. Najmussama Shefajo
Leading Afghan OBGYN
Afghanistan
Afghanistan has been named the worst place in the world to be a woman, where the Taliban’s regime upholds gender apartheid. Najmussama, a leading Afghan obstetrician and gynaecologist, has been instrumental in improving women's healthcare in Afghanistan.
Her work focuses on providing essential medical services in challenging circumstances, often in areas with limited healthcare access. Najmussama's dedication to women's health extends beyond clinical practice, to advocacy for better healthcare policies and education. Najmussama’s resilience and commitment to her patients exemplify the crucial role of healthcare leaders in conflict-affected regions.
9. Nasser Al Huqbani
CEO of The Health Holding Company
Saudi Arabia
Nasser leads The Health Holding Company, a pivotal entity in Saudi Arabia's healthcare transformation. His role involves overseeing the absorption of the Ministry of Health's assets and managing healthcare clusters across the kingdom. Nasser's leadership is crucial in implementing Saudi Vision 2030's healthcare objectives, focusing on improving service quality, increasing privatisation and enhancing overall healthcare efficiency. His strategic approach to healthcare management and his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments have been instrumental in reshaping Saudi Arabia's healthcare landscape. Nasser's work is setting new benchmarks for public-private partnerships in healthcare delivery across the MEA region.
8. Hasan Jasem Al Nowais
CEO of M42
UAE
Hasan leads M42, a healthcare initiative born from the merger of Mubadala Health and G42 Healthcare. His leadership has been pivotal in creating a healthcare powerhouse that combines advanced medical services with cutting-edge technology. Hasan's vision encompasses the integration of artificial intelligence and genomics into healthcare delivery, positioning M42 at the forefront of medical innovation.
His strategic approach to healthcare management has not only enhanced patient care but also positioned the UAE as a leader in healthcare technology. Hasan's work is reshaping the future of healthcare in the MEA region and beyond.
7. Dr. Jean Kaseya
Current Director-General of Africa CDC
Ethiopia
Jean, as the current Director-General of Africa CDC, is at the forefront of public health initiatives across the continent. His leadership is focused on strengthening Africa's disease surveillance and response capabilities, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Jean's vision encompasses building resilient health systems, enhancing laboratory capacities and fostering partnerships for health security. His expertise in public health and experience in managing health programmes inform his strategic approach to addressing Africa's health challenges. Jean's work is crucial in shaping the continent's public health landscape and preparing for future health emergencies.
6. Shamsheer Vayalil
Founder & Chairman, Burjeel Holdings
UAE
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, is a visionary healthcare entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Since establishing his first hospital in Abu Dhabi in 2007, he has transformed Burjeel Holdings into the UAE's leading healthcare provider, with a growing presence in Oman and the GCC. Dr. Vayalil's strategic leadership has expanded the company's portfolio to include diverse brands such as Burjeel, Medeor, LLH, Lifecare and Tajmeel. Recognised globally for his contributions to healthcare and entrepreneurship, he is a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and serves on several advisory boards in the UAE.
5. Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng
United Nation's Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health
South Africa
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, known as "Dr. T," is a prominent South African physician and sexual health expert.
As the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, she advocates for universal health access and HIV care. Dr. Mofokeng runs a sexual health clinic in Sandton and is a vocal activist for sexual and reproductive health rights. She has gained international recognition for her work, including being named one of BBC's 100 Women in 2021.
Dr. Mofokeng is the author of ‘Dr. T: A Guide to Sexual Health and Pleasure’ and serves on several boards, including the Safe Abortion Action Fund. Her expertise spans public health, sexuality education and global advocacy, making her an influential figure in African healthcare.
4. Faisal Al Nassar
President & Group CEO Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group
Saudi Arabia
Faisal Al Nassar, President and Group CEO of Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group (HMG), is a visionary leader in the Middle Eastern healthcare sector. With over 20 years of experience, he has propelled HMG to become the region's largest private healthcare provider. Under his guidance, HMG operates more than 25 medical facilities, employing 20,000 staff and 4,000 physicians, serving six million patients annually.
Faisal's strategic leadership focuses on innovation, world-class healthcare delivery and strong financial performance. His background in corporate and investment banking, coupled with his industrial management education, has been instrumental in HMG's growth and success.
3. Sherif Beshara
CEO of American Hospital Dubai
UAE
Sherif stands at the helm of American Hospital Dubai, a leading healthcare institution in the region. Under his guidance, the hospital has expanded its services and embraced cutting-edge medical technologies. Sherif's leadership focuses on delivering world-class healthcare services to patients in Dubai and beyond.
His vision encompasses fostering international partnerships and attracting top medical talent to the region. Sherif's commitment to excellence in patient care and medical innovation has solidified American Hospital Dubai's reputation as a premier healthcare destination. His strategic initiatives continue to drive the hospital's growth and enhance its impact on regional healthcare.
2. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa
South Africa
Matshidiso, as WHO Regional Director for Africa, has been a driving force in improving health outcomes across the continent. Her leadership focuses on strengthening health systems, addressing health inequities and promoting universal health coverage.
Matshidiso's expertise in public health and her experience in managing health crises have been crucial in guiding Africa's response to various health challenges, including the pandemic. Her advocacy for women's health and her efforts to combat infectious diseases have made significant contributions to public health in Africa. Matshidiso's work continues to shape health policies and strategies across the continent.
1. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director-General of WHO
Ethiopia
Tedros, as Director-General of the World Health Organization, has been at the forefront of global health initiatives. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has been pivotal in coordinating international responses and advocating for equitable access to vaccines and treatments.
Tedros's focus on universal health coverage and addressing health emergencies has shaped WHO's strategic priorities. His background in malaria research and experience as Ethiopia's Health Minister inform his approach to global health challenges. Tedros's advocacy for health as a human right and his efforts to strengthen health systems in developing countries have made a significant impact on global health policy.
Recently, he has been focused on vaccinating children against polio in Gaza.
“People we have saved today or vaccinated today, end up being killed tomorrow,” he said at a media briefing. “The focus should be on addressing the conflict politically and bringing peace.”
90% of children must be vaccinated against polio for there to be community protection. Tedros and his team have called for an area-specific humanitarian pause, in order to set up fixed vaccination sites and mobile teams, to reach those numbers.
Tedros and WHO have their work cut out for them, for wherever war goes, dire healthcare situations follow.
******
Make sure you check out the latest industry news and insights at Healthcare Digital and also sign up to our global conference series - Tech & AI LIVE 2024
******
Healthcare Digital is a BizClik brand
