Professor of Obstetrics and gynecology with over 20 years of experience in Research, administration and Academic Medicine, presently an Obstetrician gynecologist with PhD in public health focusing on infectious diseases and Maternal health. With vast experience in epidemiology, public health especially reproductive health, health systems strengthening, and health policy.

Held leadership positions both in academic; as Dean of school of Medicine and Pharmacy at University of Rwanda and in clinical; head of department of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Rwanda covering teaching hospitals in Rwanda, and Head of Department of

Obstetrics and gynecology at University teaching hospital of Kigali.

Founded and chaired the department of education and research at University Teaching hospital of Kigali.

Presently serving as a Clinician and National chair of Maternal, Perinatal & Child death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) committee responsible for monitoring, evaluation and mitigating maternal and perinatal mortality in Rwanda.

Founding fellow of East Central and Southern African College of obstetricians and gynecologists (ECSACOG) and currently serving as chair of Education, Scientific and Research responsible for Education and training in the Region.

Member of East African Community Health Research Commission (EAHRC) – Expert Working Group on Research and Capacity Development.

Has made significant contributions to peer-review journals through, with over 120 peer reviewed publications as well as serving as an associate editor and board member for BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, PLOS one, Current Obstetrics & Gynecology Reports, and Rwanda Medical Journal.

Have significant experience in international collaborations such as Serving on several advisory committees on maternal health, antimalarial treatment groups, Scientific Committee Director for African Association of obstetrician gynaecologist (AFOG) and currently chairing Scientific committee for International Federation of Obstetrician gynecologists (FIGO).

Priya Soma-Pillay is Professor and Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Chair of the School of Medicine at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Priya is a maternal and fetal medicine sub-specialist and holds a PhD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She has a special interest in managing high-risk pregnancies, particularly women with cardiac and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Priya served as a member of the South African National Committee for the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Death from 2011-2020 and was the chapter head for “Deaths due to medical disease in pregnancy.” She is the immediate past-president of the College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of South Africa and a member of senate of the College of Medicine of South Africa. She serves on the FIGO Preterm Birth Committee.

Prof. Asma Khalil, MD, MBBCh, MRCOG, MSc(Epi), DFSRH, Dip(GUM)

Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine, St George’s Hospital, University of London, London, United Kingdom

Director of Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women’s Hospital

Vice-President of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Asma Khalil is a Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine. She is the Obstetric Lead at the National Maternity and Perinatal Audit (NMPA). She gained her MD at the University of London in 2008.

Prof. Asma Khalil has published more than 500 peer-reviewed papers, and many published review articles and chapters. She was awarded many research prizes, both at national and international meetings.

She was awarded the 2021 FIGO Women’s Awards: Recognising Female Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Her research interests include twin pregnancy, congenital infections, fetal growth restriction and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. She had a fellowship with the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). committed to the implementation of clinical guidelines in practice. She is the Lead author of the ISUOG guideline on the role of ultrasound in twins and congenital infections. She also led the guideline team developing the FIGO guideline on twin pregnancies. She was a member of the NICE Guideline Committee updating the Twin and Multiple Pregnancy guidance. 

Profession: Medical doctor and Surgeon (1991)

Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology (1996)

Specialist in Public Health (1999)

Magister in Epidemiology (2006)

Specialist in Maternofetal Medicine (2010)

Position: Head of Maternofetal Medicine, Chicamocha Clinic, Bucaramanga

Scientific Director of Integral Maternofetal Medicine Unit, Bucaramanga

President of Colombian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024-26

Assistant Professor of Maternofetal Medicine Simon Bolivar University

Professional Summary

RECIPIENT OF “OBSTRETICIAN AND GYNECOLOGIST OF THE YEAR 2023 HEALTH AWARD” FROM HIS EXCELLENCY SHAIKH NAHAYAN MABARAK AL NAHYAN – CABINET MEMBER AND MINISTER OF TOLERANCE AND CO-EXISTENCE – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.
RECIPIENT OF “AL – SAFEER AWARD” FOR 2^ND TIME FROM GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI AND DUBAI TOURISM FOR PROMOTING DUBAI UAE AS A KEY DESTINATION FOR IMPARTING EDUCATION – ON 07/03/24
COURSE COORDINATOR AND TUTOR – EUROPEAN BOARD-CERTIFIED POST-GRADUATE SKILL ENHANCING DIPLOMA IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY IN DUBAI UAE – 2024 ONWARDS.

LEAD – BENIGN SURGERY STREAM – FIGO CONGRESS CAPE TOWN – 2025.
RECIPIENT OF THE DUBAI QUALITY AWARDS 2012 FOR PRIME HEALTHCARE GROUP – FOR CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS – DELIVERED 48 CSR AWARENESS LECTURES AND SCREENED AND VACCINATED MORE THAN 3500 WOMEN IN UAE AGAINST HPV

Contribution to FIGO

HON.SECRETARY GENERAL – AFRICAN FEDERATION OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

HON. SECRETARY GENERAL – AFRICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE AFRICAN FEDERATION OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNECOLOGISTS 2024 ONWARDS.

Member of FIGO Governing Council from United Arab Emirates from 2021 till 2025

LEAD – BENIGN SURGERY STREAM – FIGO CONGRESS CAPE TOWN – 2025.

Recipient of FIGO Award in Recognition of Women Obstetricians/Gynaecologists at the XXII FIGO World Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Member of the Post Reproductive Health Committee of FIGO (2018)
Recipient of the prestigious “AL SAFEER” AWARD dated 27/02/2018 – for exemplary work done for Emirates Medical Association ObGyn

Successfully conducted the FIGO 1^st Regional Congress for Africa and Middle East in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in April 2018 as The Organizing Secretary.

Founder member of Navi Mumbai Obstetricians and Gynecologists Association – 2004.

Member of executive committee of IAHR – 2023 -2027

Contribution to Local Organisations

Secretary General, Emirates Medical Association ObGyn, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (2015 – 2018)

Current Position

Specialist Ob/Gyn Prime Healthcare Group, Dubai United Arab Emirates (2007 till date).

Past positions

Specialist Ob/Gyn – International Modern Hospital, Dubai United Arab Emirates (2008 – 2014)
Specialist Ob/Gyn – Medcare Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2007 – 2009)
Obstetrician and Gynecologist – International Private Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (2005- 2007)
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist – Dr Khopkar’s Maternity and Surgical Hospitals – Vashi and Airoli, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India (2004 -2005)
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist – National Burns Hospital, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (2004-2005)

Educational Qualifications

M.B.B.S in October 1998 passing first class with distinction in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Lokamanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Sion Mumbai affiliated to University of Mumbai. Toping fourth in the University and first in college in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
D.G.O from the college of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai. Passed with distinction in 2003.
M.D. in January 2004 from Sir J.J group of Hospitals and Grant Medical college affiliated to University of Mumbai. Third in the University and first in practical Exams.
FICOG – Indian College Of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2022
British Endoscopic Society training in Operative Hysteroscopy – 2005
Advanced Obstetric Ultrasound Training From Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (RCOG) U.K. – 2013
Colposcopy Training From Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (RCOG) U.K. – 2012
Training in Operative and Diagnostic Laproscopy from AIIMS, New Delhi. – 2015.

Dr. Diane Francœur has over 30 years of service and is a highly accomplished obstetrician-gynecologist. A passionate advocate for women’s issues and healthcare professionals, she continues to serve the community as an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Dr. Francœur led all medical specialists in Québec during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the healthcare system was severely impacted. She understands the needs of women’s health specialists in this challenging environment.

Dr. Francœur was the first woman to hold the position of President of the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ). She successfully completed all her terms. She continues her work as an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at CHU Sainte-Justine, affiliated with the Université de Montréal. She ardently advocates for women’s rights, physician leadership, and healthcare management.

She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Université Laval, her speciality diploma in obstetrics and gynecology from the Université de Montreal, and her subspecialty in pediatric gynecology from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Her administrative career began with the Corporate Directors Program at McGill University, and she later obtained her Master’s degree in Healthcare Management from Harvard University.

Her academic training has shaped her exemplary conduct in both obstetrics and management.

Edgar is a graduate of Iuliu Hatieganu Medical University, Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, Romania. He is an RCOG certified Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery and a Fellow of the RCOG and RCPI. A Consultant at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin and Honorary Associate Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, he engages in providing clinical care, academic education at under and postgraduate level and contributes to the activities of international organizations such as ESHRE, FIGO and the IFFS. Edgar holds a Doctor in Medicine degree from Trinity College Dublin, a h-index of 26 and over 150 scientific publications. He is currently serving as the President of the International Federation of Fertility Societies. His research interests are in medical education, preventive reproduction, access to fertility care, oncofertility, genetics in male infertility, reproductive surgery and lean services in ART.

Prof. Ochiai is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Gynecologic Oncologist in Japan. He is a leader of gynecologic oncology group of Asia and conducted many clinical trials. He also organized many national and international scientific meetings.

His AOFOG presidential initiatives in Asia and Oceania region and global expansion of AOFOG involvement in women’s health continue to impact the specialty.

Education, Training and position held

1974 M.D., The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

Residency of OB/GYN, and Gyne Oncology training at the Jikei Univ. Hospitals

1978 Ph.D., The Jikei Univ. Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan

2000- Professor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University

2006-13 Director, The Jikei Univ Hospital Cancer Center

Current Position

Immediate Past President, Asia-Oceania Federation of Ob-Gyn (AOFOG)

Immediate Past Chairperson, Asian Gynecologic Oncology Group (AGOG)

Visiting Professor, The Jikei Univ. Sch of Medicine, Japan

Executive Adviser, Shin-Yurigaoka General Hospital, Japan

Fellow, Honorary Fellow

Fellow and Honorary Member: Japan Society of OB/GYN (JSOG)

Fellow, International College of Surgeon (ICS)

Honorary Fellow

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Canadian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (SCOG)

Indian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ICOG)

Taiwanese Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (TAOG)

Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (KSOG)

Publications: >100 English papers in peer reviewed Journals. >500 papers in Japanese Journals and 50 book chapters

Graduated from the UAG of Guadalajara and specialised in Mexico City

Member Latin American Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology – FLASOG

Member Bolivian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology S.B.O.G.

Member International Federation of Gin&Obst – FIGO

Past President S.B.O.G.

Past Member FLASOG Executive Committee

Past Member Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Rights FLASOG – Bolivarian Region Representative

FIGO WOMAN

Board Director of PERINAT Medical Center

Vice President of Bolivian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Dr Ubom is a specialist registrar in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Perinatology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, with fellowships in breast & gynaecological cancers, palliative medicine and medical education. He is an associate fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), a member of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) and a fellow of the American-Austrian Open Medical Institute (OMI). He is the vice president of the World Association of Trainees in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (WATOG) and a member of International Federation of Gynaecology & Obstetrics (FIGO) Childbirth & Postpartum Haemorrhage Committee, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Young British Journal of Surgery (BJS) Society, and the International Society of Surgery (ISS/SIC). A member of the Research Collaboration Network (RCN) of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), he has over 95 peer-reviewed journal publications. Dr Ubom is a 2nd Prize Winner of the 2022 Society of Gynaecology & Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) Young Gynaecologist & Obstetrician Award, and is part of the COVIDSurg/GlobalSurg Collaborative, which won the 2021 Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Scientific Collaboration/Most Authors on a Single Peer-reviewed Academic Paper. He serves as an associate editor for the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (IJGO), Postgraduate Medical Journal (PMJ) and The Pan African Medical Journal (PAMJ); as academic editor for PLOS ONE; and as editorial board member for BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. He is a peer reviewer for more than 10 local and international journals.

Atf Gherissi is a Tunisian qualified midwife since 1981. She holds a university doctorate (René Descartes University, 2003) and a postdoc (Tunis El Manar University, 2016) in health sciences education.

Her carrier includes clinical practice, regional supervision and an active contribution to the development and implementation of the national safe motherhood programme in Tunisia, respectively. As an assistant professor in health education science from 2008 to 2019, she taught research methodology and health science education to student teachers and professionals in health sciences in different higher institutions in Tunisia, in Lebanon and in Belgium. Mostly concerned by the culture and the development of the autonomous critical thinking among students, she adopted the socioconstructivist educational approach to coach and then mentor them during their personal and scientific journey.

She is associate editor and reviewer in several international scientific journals including the Midwifery Journal (Elsevier) and the International Journal of Childbirth (Springer). She has published several books and papers on health sciences education, reproductive health, and midwifery.

She is member of the scientific professional programme committee (SPPC) of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and currently part of the expert group of the STAGE Midwifery Working Group assigned to developing a WHO policy and implementation guidance for countries that are transitioning to a collaborative midwifery model of care (since 2023). Very recently, she joined the FIGO Scientific Committee for the next FIGO Global Conference (Cape Town, 2025) as the ICM Representative.

She offers her expertise to the global efforts to strengthen midwifery education and accreditation programmes mostly in Africa, in the Middle East and in Asia.

Professor Bo Jacobsson (MD, Ph.D.) is the Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery at the Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and the head of the Perinatal Research Laboratory at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. He is also a Senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. He is Chief Physician in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Maternal/Fetal Medicine at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Professor Jacobsson is a leading expert on the mechanisms and epidemiology of preterm birth. His research group is the world’s leading in the genetics of preterm delivery and the timing of birth. The main research aim is to identify and apply different strategies to prevent preterm delivery to improve the clinical outcomes of preterm-born children. He has also performed extensive clinical genetic diagnostic trials within fetal diagnostics. He is chairing the Genomic Medicine Sweden complex diseases group and is a steering group member of Genomic Medicine Sweden. He is also a Swedish Nordic Society of Human Genetics and Precision Medicine representative. He has also studied infections during pregnancy about pregnancy and child outcomes.

Professor Jacobsson has been involved in the work of different international Maternal and Child Health organizations for more than 20 years. He is presently the FIGO Division Director of Maternal and Neonatal Health (2021-2025) and the past chair of the FIGO’s Committee of Preterm Birth 2019-2021. He was leading the European Branch of PREBIC 2020-2023. Council Member of PREBIC Global 2024-. Within the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, he is a board member and leads the special interest group of preterm birth. He is a part of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, Knowledge and Evidence Working Group and co-leads the MNCH workstream. He co-edited the “Born-too-soon – the decade version” (WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, PMNCH report) and co-chaired the Global Advocacy group for the same publication. He is also serving and has served as an expert on several WHO special task groups.

Prof. Jacobsson has published over 380 peer-reviewed papers between 2002-2024. Among other journals, he has published in Nature, Science, New England Journal of Medicine, Nature Genetics, PLOS Medicine, and JAMA. In addition, he has been invited to lecture at more than 280 international scientific conferences.

H-index: 83 (Google Scholar), 61 (Web of Science) and 67 (Scopus) by June 2024.

Gynecologist and obstetrician, specialist in Human Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology University Rene Descartes Paris France.

Professor at the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada.

Doctor in the Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Human Reproduction Hospital Militar Central Bogotá Colombia.

Scientific Director of Fertility Unit Medically Assisted Procreation of the Marly Clinic.

Ex-president of the Colombian Federation of Societies in Obstetrics and Gynecology (FECOLSOG).

Ex-Coodinator of the Committee of Reproductive Medicine, Endocrinology and Infertility of FIGO.

Director Division of Sexual and Reproductive Health and wellbeing FIGO

Educational Background

Doctor and Surgeon. University College of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. faculty of Medicine. 1981 – 1986. Bogotá.

Specialist in gynecology and obstetrics. Universidad del Cauca Faculty of Sciences of the Health. 1989 – 1991. Popayán.

University Diploma of Studies on Sterility and Problems of the Reproduction. University René Descartes. Paris. 1991 – 1992.

Gynecological Operative Laparoscopy Certificate and Procreation Techniques Medically Assisted Cochin Hospital – Port Royal. University René Descartes. Paris. 1992 – 1993.

University Diploma of Andrology. Faculty of Medicine Paris – Sud. Université de Paris XI. 1992 – 1993.

Stage Endocrinology and Gynecology consultation Necker enfants maladies. Paris France 1992

Stage Certificate in In Vitro Fertilization Techniques for Male Infertility. Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproducción et du Developpement. Center Hospitalier Universitaire Kremlin Bicêtre. Paris. 1992 -1993.

Level III Gynecological Endoscopy Certificate. Colombian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Bogotá, February 8, 1996.

Gynecological Endoscopy Certificate. Advanced level. Colombian Society of Gynecology and obstetrics. Bogotá, 1999.

Level III Interventional Gynecological Ultrasound Certificate given by the Association Bogotana of Perinatology. Bogotá, 2003.

Certificate of Quality Accreditation in Techniques of Assisted Reproduction given by the Latin American Network of Assisted Reproduction. 2005

Specialist in Human Reproduction. University Sanitas Foundation. Bogotá December 10, 2010. For homologation of the Degree Obtained in the University René Descartes – Paris. France

Practice-related activities

Since 1994: Scientific Director of the Fertility Unit Procreation Medically Assisted PMA Marly Clinic. Bogota Colombia.

Since 2015: delegate of FECOLSOG at ACOG District XII committee on Patient and Quality Improvement.

2016-2018: President FECOLSOG

2019-2021: Chair committee Medicine Reproductive, Endocrinology and Infertility FIGO

2015-2021: Chair committee Medicine Reproductive FLASOG

2020-2021: Ex-officio member of RDEH committee FIGO

2022-2024: Chair section 7. District XII Florida of ACOG

2021-2025: Director Division of Sexual and Reproductive Health and wellbeing FIGO

Doctor Villegas-Echeverri has dedicated the last 25 years of his life to improving the quality of life for women through the creation and dissemination of knowledge. He is a well-known leader in the field of minimally invasive gynecological surgery and chronic pelvic pain, and he has led several scientific and professional organizations both in his home country and abroad, enthusiastically spreading endoscopy in the field of women’s health.

Education

Gynecological Laparopscopic Surgery Fellowship
Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia 2011

Advanced laparoscopy and Chronic Pelvic Pain Fellowship
C.Paul Perry Pelvic Pain center, Birmingham, Alabama 2004

Obstetrics and GynecologyColegio Mayor de Nuestra Senora del Rosario Hospital Infantil Universitario Lorencita Villegas de Santos program, Bogotá, Colombia 1998

Medical School
Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia 1992

Awards

Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Best Graduated Ob-Gyn resident. Graduated with Honors Class 1995 – 1998 Bogota Colombia

Mayor of Pereira
Grand Cross Order of the Founders Recognition of the Mayor of Pereira to illustrious citizens 2019, Pereira, Colombia

Languages

Spanish, English, French

Most relevant recognitions and positions held

Scientific Director – ALGIA (advanced laparosocopy and pelvic pain center). Pereira, Colombia 2.009 – Currently
Minimal invasive gynecological surgery Fellowship Director (FMIGS-i) 2.010 – Currently FECOLSOG Scientific Committee member 2.018- 2.022
AAGL Board member 2.016-2.017 IPPS President 2.016
FECOLSOG President 2.012-2.014 FIGO Board Member 2.013-2.016
FIGO Scientific committee member 2.013 – 2.016
FIGO MAS (Minimally Access Surgery) committee chair. 2.018-2.021
Figo Benign surgery Division Head 2.020-2.022

I am a senior obgyn and Medical Director of Divakars Speciality Hospital,[DSH] Bengaluru CEO and Chairman of ARTIST (Asian Research and Training Institute for Skill Transfer), an academic wing of DSH that is involved in training and research.

Positions of eminence:

An exhaustive list of important positions of great responsibility within the country & Globally.

Technical Advisor; Ministry of Health& Family welfare Govt of India

President AHPI [Association of Healthcare Providers of India]

Chair Breastfeeding and Nutrition working group South Asian Federation of O & G

National Co-Ordinator for FOGSI Quality initiative MANYATA

Ambassador for I4NImpact for Nutrition UNICEF

State representative for Health Sector Skill Council

PRESIDENT of FOGSI 2013 Federation of

Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI),with 38,000 specialists on roll as the members

FIGO EXCECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER & FOGSI AMBASSIDOR TO FIGO 2016-2018

Vice-Chair for FIGO PNCD COMMITTEE 2015– 2019

Chair well women healthcare committee FIGO 2020 – 2023

AWARDS & Publications

FIGO Women Achievers Award.

FICCI Award for Excellence in Capacity Building

Icons of healthcare award – Singapore

Social Entrepreneurship award from USAIDS and MSD

Asia One award for great leaders in INDIA

Global Asian of the year 2018

Lifetime achievement award by Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India

Over 200 publications and textbook chapters

Jessica is a women’s health and rights technical and programme management specialist with more than 17 years of experience. Jessica has recently become FIGO’s Head of Programmes Development with responsibility for strengthening and developing the Programmes Department, ensuring alignment and amplification of project work throughout FIGO’s structures.

During her 10 years at FIGO, Jessica has spearheaded a range of maternal and newborn health (MNH) and sexual and reproductive health projects (SRH) including as a Senior Project Manager on FIGO’s largest project on Advocating for Safe Abortion. She has led teams on design and implementation of work at international, regional and national levels working closely with national professional associations in Africa and Asia.

Previous to working at FIGO, Jessica worked for the University of California as well as local charities on health research projects, working in the USA, Zambia, Madagascar and South Africa. She has an MA in International Development and is author of 25+ peer reviewed publications.