Dr. Mary Mwanyika Sando to Champion Women’s Health as New MEWATA President:
We are proud to announce that our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mary Mwanyika Sando, has been elected as the new President of the Medical Women Association of Tanzania (MEWATA) during the Association’s 22nd Annual General Meeting, held on August 23, 2025, in Arusha. This milestone reflects Dr. Mary’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s health, strengthening communities, and mentoring the next generation of female leaders in medicine and public health. Her election is also a recognition of her visionary leadership, not only within AAPH but across Tanzania and beyond.
In her acceptance, Dr. Mary dedicated this new chapter to every woman and girl in Tanzania, emphasizing that their voices, health, and future truly matter. Building on the strong foundation laid by her predecessor, Dr. Zaitun Bokhary, and the many visionary leaders before her, she will guide MEWATA in championing women’s health, empowering medical professionals, and reinforcing collective action for public health impact in Tanzania.
Alongside her is an excellent Executive Committee of highly accomplished professionals, committed to advancing MEWATA’s mission across multiple areas of public health, research, and community engagement:
- President Elect: Dr. Maryam Amour (Senior Lecturer, Department of Community Health & Head of Internationalization and Convocation Unit, MUHAS)
- Executive Secretary: Dr. Julietha Gosbert Tibyesiga (Program Officer, National School Health & Nutrition Program, MOH)
- Honorary Treasurer: Dr. Nyasinde Albert Mujumali (Founder & CEO, AVIANNA Polyclinic; Visiting Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Premier Care Clinic & Aga Khan Hospital)
- Assistant Treasurer: Dr. Evelyne Lutainulwa (Community Services Manager, MDH – Temeke MC)
- Publicity Secretary: Dr. Esther John Matoro (Medical Officer Incharge, Round Table Health Center – Temeke MC)
- Research Coordinator: Dr. Furaha Kyesi (Program Officer, Immunization and Vaccine Development Program, MOH)
- Zonal Coordinator: Dr. Deograsia Mkapa (District Medical Officer – Bukombe DC)
- Social Coordinator: Dr. Faraja Lutambi (General Practitioner & NCD Coordinator, Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital)
- Community Coordinator: Dr. Happiness Mbeyela (Medical Officer Incharge, Malindi Estate Health Center – Mbweni)
- Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) Coordinator: Dr. Neema Budodi Lubuva (Visiting Consultant Haematologist – SAIFEE Hospital)
At AAPH, we celebrate this achievement with immense pride and look forward to supporting Dr. Mary and her team in this important leadership role, which will continue to transform lives and advance women’s health across the nation #ForBetterPublicHealth.