In the vibrant landscape of global health and development, every addition to a team brings fresh perspectives, diverse expertise, and renewed energy. We recently welcomed a cohort of talented individuals who are poised to make significant contributions to the field. Let’s take a closer look at the new members and what their arrival signifies for the future of IGHD.

Vanessa Moonga: Championing Universal Health Coverage

Vanessa Moonga, with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Lusaka, Zambia, embodies the intersection of economics and healthcare. Her journey into health economics was sparked during her undergraduate studies, where exposure to courses like Health Economics and Financing ignited her passion for ensuring the well-being of communities. Vanessa’s expertise in conducting economic evaluations for healthcare and her commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) make her a valuable addition to the IGHD team. With a vision to address the UHC 14 tracer indicators using tools of economics, research, and data analysis, Vanessa is poised to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes globally.

Harshal Bhimrao Sonekar: Bridging Sociology and Public Health

Harshal Sonekar brings a rich tapestry of experiences to IGHD, blending sociology, public health, and epidemiology in his pursuit of positive change. Currently pursuing a PhD in Anthropology and Sociology, Harshal’s academic journey has been complemented by nearly 5 years of hands-on experience in public health and epidemiology at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). His expertise in COVID-19 research, coupled with his nuanced understanding of caste dynamics and health, positions him as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration within IGHD. With a Master's degree in Social Work and Demography, Harshal embodies the fusion of academia and practical application, striving to create equitable health solutions grounded in social justice.

Edith Imbayarwo: Orchestrating Collaboration and Efficiency

Edith Imbayarwo’s background in executive assistance and business management brings a wealth of organizational acumen to IGHD. With an Honours Diploma in Business Management and Business Administration, Edith’s expertise in managing collaborations with external stakeholders, facilitating seamless communications across teams, and overseeing business management processes is invaluable. Having served in administrative roles at the World Health Organization for 16 years, Edith’s multicultural experience and adeptness in handling diverse priorities further fortify IGHD’s capacity to navigate complex global health challenges.

A Vision for Collaborative Impact

With the addition of Vanessa, Harshal, and Edith to our team, a mosaic of talent, passion, and expertise converges to drive positive change in global health and development. Their collective dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes underscores our commitment to catalyzing sustainable progress in communities worldwide. Together, they embody the ethos of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, essential pillars in the journey towards a healthier, more equitable world.

As we embark on this journey together, we are poised to leverage the collective strengths of our team members to tackle the most pressing health challenges of our time. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, data-driven solutions, and a shared vision of equity and justice, we are confident in our ability to effect meaningful change and advance the agenda of global health and development.

Welcome aboard, Vanessa, Harshal, and Edith. Together, we are IGHD. Together, we are catalysts for change.