Bio: Access to Health Zambia’s chairperson, Fresher Maphiri, is a distinguished individual whose leadership has left an indelible mark on various boards and committees. With an extensive background in community service, Fresher Maphiri has served as the chairman of the Lusaka Health Board, the Federation of Health Board, and the Neighbourhood Health Committee in Mtendere. His commitment to education is evident through his role as the chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in Lusaka District. For 26 years, he served as the treasurer at the United Presbyterian Church, demonstrating not only financial acumen but unwavering dedication to the church community. His involvement reached an international level when he served as a member of finance at the United Presbyterian Church in South Africa.

Currently, Fresher Maphiri has diversified his pursuits. Beyond his impactful community roles, he is actively engaged in agriculture as a farmer. His leadership extends to spiritual realms as he holds positions as a governor and elder of the United Presbyterian Church, a governor of the Resource Mobilisation Committee of the Synod of Zambia, and a trustee of Theological by Extension in Zambia (TEZ). Fresher Maphiri's multifaceted contributions reflect a passion for community development, financial stewardship, and a commitment to the well-being of the United Presbyterian Church.

Fresher Maphiri has been the chairperson of Access to Health Zambia’s Board since 2019. He serves as a member of the programme committee.

Bio: Dick Day has more than 35 years of highly relevant experience in international development, including extensive field-based work, much of it focused on community-level development. He has a passion for assisting and empowering the poor and most vulnerable, particularly women and children. Most recently, as Peace Corps’ director for Africa, Dick Day provided strategic direction, leadership, and overall management of operations in 25 countries, responsible for more than 3,000 volunteers. He launched several creative initiatives, including Stomping Out Malaria in Africa (early detection and prevention of malaria, especially among children), the Global Health Services Partnership (fielding doctors and nurses to serve as educator/clinicians), and Literacy for Life (enhancing early reading abilities among children).

Prior to his service at Peace Corps, Dick Day was managing director at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, where he led the design of large-scale infrastructure programmes. At the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), he held a variety of positions, including vice president and chief operating officer, overseeing all headquarters operations and programmes in 13 countries; he worked with women’s groups, farmers’ associations, and micro-entrepreneurs to design self-executed, small-scale interventions. Dick Day began his international development career with USAID, based in Mali and Malawi for 10 years and subsequently directed strategic planning, budgeting, and outreach for the agency’s entire African operation.

Dick Day received his undergraduate degree in history and political science from Stanford and a master of science degree in foreign service from Georgetown University, with postgraduate studies in international development at Cornell University.

Dick Day has been a member of the Access to Health Zambia’s Board since 2019. He serves as a member of the programme committee.

Bio: In the field of global poverty alleviation, former CMMB Inc. chief executive officer Bruce Wilkinson has deep experiential understanding and a commitment to individual empowerment in support of sustainable solutions. His strategic and operational experiences span 30 years in Africa, seven in Washington, DC, and three in Europe, across sectors of applied linguistics, education, maternal and child health, humanitarian assistance, economic development, agriculture, and HIV/AIDS.

Inspired as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana and at the Summer Institute of Linguistics in Mali, he has expertise in virtually all the areas within A2HealthZ’s focus, including volunteerism, work with gifts in kind and corporate engagement, and programming for maternal and child health. During 25 years at World Vision, he was instrumental in mobilising U.S. commitment toward the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); served as chief of party for the five-year, $250 million, USAID-funded RAPIDS initiative, which cared for 260,000 Zambian orphans and vulnerable children; led nine country programmes with an annual budget of $450 to $600 million; and established a strong track record in policy influence for developing countries.

He has a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Gordon College and an MBA in international management from Cambridge University, England, with additional diploma studies in linguistics, French, and anthropology.

Bruce Wilkinson has been a member of the Access to Health Zambia’s Board since 2019. He serves as a member of the audit, risk, and compliance committee.

Bio: Leslie Zulu is a seasoned legal professional with a rich educational background and over 20 years of experience in the field of law. Since 1994, he has been actively practicing law, and currently serves as an advocate and partner at Malambo and Company. Over the years, he has held key roles in prestigious law firms, including managing partner at Central Chambers, and sole proprietor at L.C. Zulu and Company.

Leslie Zulu's contributions extend beyond legal practice. From 2003 to 2007, he served as a commissioner at the Zambia Law Development Commission, showcasing his commitment to shaping legal policies and development initiatives. As a member of the Law Association of Zambia and a Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK (CIArb), he combines legal acumen with strong interpersonal skills.

Leslie Zulu has a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Zambia, Lusaka. In 2018, he completed the "Tax for Lawyers Training Workshop" organised by the Zambia Revenue Authority and SME Accounting Services. His dedication to excellence led him to the International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP), where he participated in the Advanced Commercial Law Project in July 2012. Additionally, he has further honed his skills through courses such as the Advanced Investment Advisors and Stock Brokers Course, Basic Stock Brokers and Financial Advisory Course, and the Special Member Assessment Course from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK.

Leslie Zulu has been a member of the Access to Health Zambia’s Board since 2023. He serves as a member of the HR and legal committee.

Bio: Matildah Mutale Mubanga, also known as sister Matildah, is a distinguished Zambian health professional with a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering quality healthcare. Since 2008, she has served as the national health coordinator for the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC). In this role she oversees the ZEC National Health Department and acts as the official link between ZEC and health partners.

Her career includes leadership roles at various healthcare institutions, such as the Ministry of Health, Kabwe District Management Team, and the Zambian Helpers Society Hospital. Sister Matildah's impact extends beyond managerial roles; she actively participates in strategic planning, policy development, and resource mobilisation.

Committed to her community, sister Matildah has been involved in health outreach programmes, workplace HIV/AIDS policy implementation, and primary healthcare initiatives. She has a remarkable ability to create linkages with various health institutions and service providers. Her visionary leadership and passion for improving healthcare systems make her an invaluable asset to the Zambian health sector.

Sister Matildah's professional journey began with her nursing education at the Lusaka School of Nursing, University Teaching Hospital. Over the years, she has expanded her expertise through additional qualifications, including an advanced diploma in Management Studies from the National Institute of Public Administration and certificates in HIV/AIDS prevention, management of tuberculosis, hospital management, counselling supervision, and psychosocial counselling. Currently pursuing a degree in Public Health, Sister Matildah's dedication to continuous learning is evident.

Sister Matildah has been a member of the Access to Health Zambia’s Board since 2019. She serves as a member of the programme committee.

Bio: Cathrine Mukwawi is a dedicated human resource professional, with a rich career that spans 23 years in both the public and humanitarian sector. Her expertise encompasses recruitment, performance management, staff training, job evaluation, compensation, benefits, and employee relations, through which she has contributed to significant organisational success.

In her role as a consultant and trainer, Cathrine Mukwawi has collaborated with institutions and organisations, including The African Business School and Humentum. Notably, she conducted safeguarding training for the Institute of Health Measurement, emphasizing anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, and anti-victimization policies. Her commitment to promoting a culture of respect led her to train staff members, covering topics such as sexual harassment prevention and coaching for performance.

As the human resource manager at Jhpiego, Cathrine Mukwawi provided oversight to administrative and personnel aspects. She played a pivotal role in restructuring, job evaluations, and ensuring competitive pay scales. At World Vision International, she established the HR unit for the RAPIDS USAID funded PEPFAR Programme, showcasing her ability to streamline operations and efficiently recruit.

She holds a Master of Public Management from the University of Potsdam, Germany, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Zambia. She is a proud member of the Zambia Institute of Human Resources Management, actively contributing to the HR community.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Cathrine Mukwavi volunteers her time and expertise. Serving as a pastor at Living Hope Church, she continues to impact lives both professionally and spiritually.

Catherine Mukwawi has been a member of the Access to Health Zambia’s Board since 2022. She serves as a member of the HR and legal committee.

Bio: Mulenga Kapwepwe is a distinguished figure in the realms of literature, culture, and cross-cultural engagement. With a career spanning two decades, she has left an indelible mark as an award-winning playwright, author, lecturer, and public speaker. Throughout her dynamic career, she has collaborated with various international and local NGOs and multinational corporations, specializing in cross-cultural training and conflict resolution. She has expertise in diverse sectors, including hospitality, government, education, health, tourism, mining, and business.

Beyond her work in the corporate world, she has been a prominent figure in Zambia's creative industries. As a sociologist and psychologist, Mulenga Kapwepwe has played a pivotal role in fostering positive social, economic, and cultural environments. Her consultancy work, both at the governmental and international levels, involves crafting effective legislative policy and programme frameworks. Notably, she served as a consultant and director for Zambia's 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations, showcasing her commitment to national milestones. Additionally, Mulenga Kapwepwe has received awards for her books and plays.

Actively engaged in governance, Mulenga Kapwepwe serves on multiple boards at local, continental, and international levels. Presently, besides being on the A2HealthZ Board, she holds the position of chairperson at the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.

Mulenga Kapwepwe has been a member of Access to Health Zambia’s Board since 2021. She serves as a member of the programme committee.

Bio: Rebecca Handahu is Group Head – Treasury, Payroll and Cost Optimization at Zambeef Products Plc. She is a chartered management accountant (CIMA UK). She has 21 years of African experience leading and managing finance teams and strategic business units for reputable multinational companies in the FMCG, petrochemical, property, telecommunication, and finance sectors.

Rebecca's expertise spans the areas of financial strategy, financial and management reporting, auditing, costing, and pricing, corporate governance, risk and compliance, performance management, cost optimization, forecasting, treasury and credit management, and taxation.

Rebecca Handahu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance from Athlone Institute of Technology (Ireland) and an MBA from the University of Bradford (UK). As a highly astute and experienced senior finance executive, she has experience serving on boards in both executive and non-executive capacities.

Rebecca Handahu has been a member of the Access to Health Zambia’s Board since 2023. She serves as a member of the audit, risk, and compliance committee.