Resource Type: In Memoriam

Women in Global Health wish to make a posthumous award of Heroine of Health to a leading member of our own network who died on 19 September, 2022.

Togolese Dr. Naïmatou Moussa dedicated her short life to the prevention of non-communicable diseases in low-and middle-income countries, including increasing access to primary cancer prevention and therapy.

As a cancer patient herself, Dr. Naïmatou was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and spent years campaigning for access to therapy in Senegal. She served as the Deputy Head of Communications and Advocacy for Women in Global Health’s Francophone West Africa network, often working from her hospital bed to advocate for improved global health equity and governance, particularly in Africa.

A passionate and outspoken activist for women’s rights, Dr. Naimatou also worked closely with those affected by sexual and domestic violence in Senegal, advocating at the international level on their behalf.

Aged 29 when she died, Dr. Naïmatou leaves behind a loving husband, daughter, family and friends, along with an entire movement of women in global health inspired by her work.

“We must strive for visibility and leadership positions for women in the healthcare system everywhere. Not only is it important to value what they do, but it is also crucial to give a model to young girls so they can nurture ambitious dreams.” Dr. Naïmatou Moussa

It is with great sadness that Women in Global Health announces the passing of Ms Nicole Schiegg, founder and first Chair of the Women in Global Health Washington, DC chapter and renowned global health strategist, advocate, and advisor.

Ms Schiegg passed away at her home on November 5, 2022. She is survived by her loving family, and commemorated by the entire membership of the Women in Global Health movement. Nicole will be missed.

Throughout her career, Nicole demonstrated a determination and commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly women and children. Traveling and working extensively throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia as an independent consultant, she worked with a range of clients from UN agencies to universities and NGOs. Notably, Nicole served as a communications advisor to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s successful campaign for the post of Director-General of the World Health Organization.

Nicole was a founding partner of the C5 Collective, a consulting firm led by women partners. Prior to her work as a consultant, Nicole served as a senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for International Development and is known for her leading role in the “Every Child Deserves a 5th Birthday” campaign to end preventable child deaths.

Nicole was an alumna and strong supporter of the Auburn University community, serving as a mentor and friend to countless rising professionals across Washington, DC and the Auburn network.  At the time of her death, she was working on an initiative with Auburn University to enable women from America’s South to elevate the voices of women and provide a special focus on advancing global cancer care and treatment. In line with her commitment to health equity, prior to her death, Nicole was providing strategic communications support to the WHO Council on the Economics of Health For All.

In addition, prior to her death, Nicole established an internship bursary linking Auburn University with Women in Global Health. Through her legacy she hands the torch to the next generation of women leaders in global health.

Women in Global Health are deeply disheartened to share that Thinkwell Institute’s analyst &  WGH’s volunteer communications associate, Ms. Samya Stumo died tragically at age 24 in the crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 on March 10, 2019.

Ms. Stumo was a rising global health leader. Despite being an early career professional, Samya made a lasting impact within the global health realm. She was dedicated to achieving universal health coverage, including improving access and quality to those in greatest need.

Her family and ThinkWell Institute jointly created the Samya Rose Stumo Fellowship for Global Health in her memory to provide exceptional young women change-makers who exhibit inventive passion, an opportunity to help revolutionize global health.

Her loss will be deeply felt throughout the development community. Through her legacy she hands the torch to the next generation of women leaders in global health.

Learn more about the Samya Rose Stumo Fellowship for Global Health