Sanford (Sandy) Dawsey, MD

Dr. Dawsey recentlyretired as a Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute of theNational Institutes of Health, where he worked for 36 years. During his time atNIH, his main focus was the prevention and control of esophageal squamous cellcarcinoma (ESCC).  He performed multiplestudies in China, Iran, Brazil and East Africa to understand the etiology ofthis cancer globally in high-risk populations, and he helped develop clinicallyuseful early detection and treatment techniques for this disease. With US andChinese colleagues, he developed an endoscopic early detection and treatmentprogram for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that is now used in a nationalprogram to screen over 200,000 adults annually in high-risk areas of China, andthis program has been shown to reduce ESCC mortality by ~33% over 10 years.Most recently, he was a founding member of the African Esophageal CancerConsortium (AfrECC), which was created to perform coordinated etiologic, earlydetection and treatment, and palliation studies to try to reduce the burden ofESCC in Africa. He is currently President of the Board of the AfricanEsophageal Cancer Consortium Foundation.

Home / About AfrECC

Fighting Esophageal Cancer in Africa

The African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC) is dedicated to reducing the burden of esophageal cancer in Africa through clinical care, education, prevention and research

Our History

The African Esophageal Cancer Consortium was formed in 2016 after a meeting at the National Cancer Institute exposed the needs of patients in east and southern Africa who had an unusually high incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Prior to AfrECC’s formation there was much less known about causes and management of ESCC and minimal cooperation between leading medical centers in the region.
The list of achievements includes several dozen courses to train physicians in the management of ESCC which has led to the improvement in quality of life for a large number of patients with esophageal cancer; collaborative research that has increased understanding of the disease; publication of more than 50 articles in peer reviewed journal; and definition of the barriers to care for patients with ESCC.
The AfrECC Foundation was formed in 2024 to support the efforts of AfrECC. 

Link to AfrECC publications

AfrECC Vision

To end suffering from esophageal cancer in Africa

AfrECC Mission

To reduce the burden of esophageal cancer in Africa through research, prevention, education and clinical care

AfrECC Foundation

The AfrECC Foundation, established in 2024, is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC). Its primary purpose is to raise funds for AfrECC activities, complementing resources obtained through academic grants and equipment donations, such as stents provided at reduced costs by Boston Scientific. The Foundation's 14-member Board is intentionally diverse, comprising a mix of medical, business, and fundraising expertise, with a strong emphasis on African leadership representation.

AfrECC Foundation Board Members

David Fleischer, MD

Location: 

Washington DC, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

Foundation Role: 

Chairman, Board of Directors

Sanford (Sandy) Dawsey, MD

Location: 

Washington DC area, US

Title: 

Retired Senior Investigator from the National Cancer Institute

Foundation Role: 

President, Board of Directors

Violet Kayamba, BScHB, MBChB, MMed, FCP(ECSA), Ph.D

Location: 

Lusaka, Zambia

Title: 

Senior Lecturer, University of Zambia School of Medicine

Foundation Role: 

Vice President, Board of Directors

Dorene E. McCourt, MBA

Location: 

Boston, MA, US

Title: 

Pharmaceutical marketing and sales executive (retired)

Foundation Role: 

Secretary, Board of Directors

Robby Vanrijkel, MBA, MSc, BSc, BComm

Location: 

McLean, VA, US

Title: 

Industry Specialty Services (Nonprofit & Grantmakers Advisory) – Principal

Foundation Role: 

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Geoffrey (Geoff) Buckle, MD, MPH

Location: 

San Francisco, California, US

Title: 

Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Chloe Cooney

Location: 

Washington DC, US

Title: 

Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of Strategic Planning Task Force

Diana Menya, BSc, MBChB, MSc, PhD

Location: 

Eldoret, Kenya

Title: 

Epidemiologist, Moi University

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Gift Mulima, MD

Location: 

Lilongwe, Malawi

Title: 

General Surgeon, Kamuzu Central Hospital

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH.

Location: 

Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania

Title: 

Program Manager, Cancer Collaboration Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF)

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Location: 

Nairobi, Kenya

Title: 

Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, Avenue HealthCare

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Ike Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Location: 

Washington DC area, US

Title: 

Founder & CEO, Encase Consulting

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Mark Topazian, MD

Location: 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Title: 

Gastroenterologist

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Location: 

New York area, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Mt Sinai, New York

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of the Remote Endoscopic Teaching Task Force

Gift Mulima, MD

Location: 

Lilongwe, Malawi

Title: 

General Surgeon, Kamuzu Central Hospital

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH.

Location: 

Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania

Title: 

Program Manager, Cancer Collaboration Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF)

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Location: 

Nairobi, Kenya

Title: 

Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, Avenue HealthCare

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Ike Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Location: 

Washington DC area, US

Title: 

Founder & CEO, Encase Consulting

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Mark Topazian, MD

Location: 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Title: 

Gastroenterologist

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Location: 

New York area, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Mt Sinai, New York

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of the Remote Endoscopic Teaching Task Force

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Gift Mulima, MD

Location: 

Lilongwe, Malawi

Title: 

General Surgeon, Kamuzu Central Hospital

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH.

Location: 

Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania

Title: 

Program Manager, Cancer Collaboration Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF)

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Location: 

Nairobi, Kenya

Title: 

Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, Avenue HealthCare

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Ike Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Location: 

Washington DC area, US

Title: 

Founder & CEO, Encase Consulting

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Mark Topazian, MD

Location: 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Title: 

Gastroenterologist

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Location: 

New York area, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Mt Sinai, New York

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of the Remote Endoscopic Teaching Task Force

David Fleischer, MD

Location: 

Washington DC, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

Foundation Role: 

Chairman, Board of Directors

Sanford (Sandy) Dawsey, MD

Location: 

Washington DC area, US

Title: 

Retired Senior Investigator from the National Cancer Institute

Foundation Role: 

President, Board of Directors

Violet Kayamba, BScHB, MBChB, MMed, FCP(ECSA), Ph.D

Location: 

Lusaka, Zambia

Title: 

Senior Lecturer, University of Zambia School of Medicine

Foundation Role: 

Vice President, Board of Directors

Dorene E. McCourt, MBA

Location: 

Boston, MA, US

Title: 

Pharmaceutical marketing and sales executive (retired)

Foundation Role: 

Secretary, Board of Directors

Robby Vanrijkel, MBA, MSc, BSc, BComm

Location: 

McLean, VA, US

Title: 

Industry Specialty Services (Nonprofit & Grantmakers Advisory) – Principal

Foundation Role: 

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Geoffrey (Geoff) Buckle, MD, MPH

Location: 

San Francisco, California, US

Title: 

Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Chloe Cooney

Location: 

Washington DC, US

Title: 

Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of Strategic Planning Task Force

Diana Menya, BSc, MBChB, MSc, PhD

Location: 

Eldoret, Kenya

Title: 

Epidemiologist, Moi University

Foundation Role: 

Board member

AfrECC's board members are spread across 19 countries, contributing their global perspectives to our mission.

Sanford (Sandy) Dawsey, MD

Location: Washington DC area, US

Title: Retired Senior Investigator from the National Cancer Institute

Foundation Role: President, Board of Directors

Violet Kayamba, BScHB, MBChB, MMed, FCP (ECSA),

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Title: Senior Lecturer, University of Zambia School of Medicine

Foundation Role: Vice President, Board of Directors

Dorene E. McCourt, MBA

Location: Boston, MA and Burlington, WI, US

Title: Pharmaceutical marketing and sales executive (retired)

Foundation Role: Secretary, Board of Directors

Robby Vanrijkel, MBA, MSc, BSc, BComm

Location: McLean, VA, US

Title: Industry Specialty Services (Nonprofit & Grantmakers Advisory) – Principal

Foundation Role: Treasurer, Board of Directors

Geoffrey Buckle, MD, MPH

Location: San Francisco, CA, US

Title: Assistant Professor in the Division ofHematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Foundation Role: Board member

Chloe Cooney

Location: Washington DC, US 

Title: Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi

Foundation Role: Board member; Leader of Strategic Planning Task Force

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH

Location: Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania

Title: Program Manager, Cancer Collaboration Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF)

Foundation Role: Board member

Diana Menya, BSc, MBChB, MSc, PhD

Location: 

Eldoret, Kenya

Title: 

Epidemiologist, Moi University

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Gift Mulima, MD

Location: 

Lilongwe, Malawi

Title: 

General Surgeon, Kamuzu Central Hospital

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Location: 

New York, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Mt Sinai, New York

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of the Remote Endoscopic Teaching Task Force

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Location: 

Nairobi, Kenya

Title: 

Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, Avenue Health Care

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Mark Topazian, MD

Location: 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Title: 

Gastroenterologist, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennial Medical Center

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Location: 

Washington DC, US

Title: 

Founder & CEO, Encase Consulting

Foundation Role: 

Board member

AfrECC Foundation Board Members

David Fleischer, MD

Dr. David Fleischer serves as Chairman of the Board of the AfrECC Foundation. He is an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (for which he served as President); American Gastroenterologic Association and the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr.Fleischer has been given the Schindler Award by the ASGE, its highest honor. He is a Master in the American College of Physicians and he served as a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow in the United States Senate. He has been involved in projects related to esophageal cancer in China, Iran, and East Africa. He is acknowledged for his pioneering work with laser therapy for esophageal cancer; video endoscopy; capsule endoscopy; and radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's. He has published more than 300 original articles/editorials and edited several books. He has lectured extensively and has spoken on all seven continents, including Antarctica. He served in the United Sates Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

David Fleischer, MD

Location: 

Washington DC, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

Foundation Role: 

Chairman, Board of Directors

Sanford (Sandy) Dawsey, MD

Dr. Dawsey recently retired as a Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, where he worked for 36 years. During his time at NIH, his main focus was the prevention and control of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). He performed multiple studies in China, Iran, Brazil and East Africa to understand the etiology of this cancer globally in high-risk populations, and he helped develop clinically useful early detection and treatment techniques for this disease. With US and Chinese colleagues, he developed an endoscopic early detection and treatment program for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that is now used in a national program to screen over 200,000 adults annually in high-risk areas of China, and this program has been shown to reduce ESCC mortality by ~33% over 10 years. Most recently, he was a founding member of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), which was created to perform coordinated etiologic, early detection and treatment, and palliation studies to try to reduce the burden of ESCC in Africa. He is currently President of the Board of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium Foundation. Dr. Dawsey has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Harvard University and a Doctor of Medicine Degree from Stanford University.

Sanford (Sandy) Dawsey, MD

Location: 

Washington DC area, US

Title: 

Retired Senior Investigator from the National Cancer Institute

Foundation Role: 

President, Board of Directors

Violet Kayamba, BScHB, MBChB, MMed, FCP(ECSA), Ph.D

Dr. Violet Kayamba is specialised in internal medicine and gastroenterology. She is a member of the African Oesophageal Cancer Consortium steering committee. She is a founding fellow of the East, Central, and Southern African College of Physicians, and current president of the Zambia College of Gastroenterology and Nutrition. She is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research, the World Endoscopy Organisation, the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, the African Forum for Research and Education in Health, the Consortium of Universities for Global Health and the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World.

Violet Kayamba, BScHB, MBChB, MMed, FCP(ECSA), Ph.D

Location: 

Lusaka, Zambia

Title: 

Senior Lecturer, University of Zambia School of Medicine

Foundation Role: 

Vice President, Board of Directors

Dorene E. McCourt, MBA

Ms. McCourt is a retired pharmaceutical and health care industry executive who enjoyed a career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing management with Merck, Astra Merck (now Astra Zeneca), and MGI Pharma (now Eisai) working on several blockbuster products: Mevacor, Prilosec, Cozaar. She established and led Alliance Management for Merck Medco and led Product Development and Employer Account Management for MedImpact Healthcare Systems. Since her retirement, Ms. McCourt contributes her time to nonprofit organizations focused on addressing serious healthcare issues, higher education, and the arts. She is Secretary of the Board for the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium Foundation. She is a Honorary Advisor and member of the Steering Committee for the Board of Advisors of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). She was Chair of the MFA Boston Associates from May 2019-2021 and Chair of the MFA Associates Advisory Board from May 2021-2023. Ms. McCourt is past-President of Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Foundation Board and past-Chair of its Finance Committee. Ms. McCourt has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from SMSU and a Masters in Business Administration Degree from Arizona State University.

Dorene E. McCourt, MBA

Location: 

Boston, MA, US

Title: 

Pharmaceutical marketing and sales executive (retired)

Foundation Role: 

Secretary, Board of Directors

Robby Vanrijkel, MBA, MSc, BSc, BComm

Robby Vanrijkel services clients in the nonprofit business with areas of specialty in international development, operating models, compliance, financial and grants management, and improving the competitive posture of international organizations, while remaining aligned with their mission. Robby has provided consultations to management teams on a comprehensive range of operational areas including advising on streamlining diversifying funding, financial and operational processes, regulatory interpretations and compliance, ensuring adequate internal controls and effectively managing international organizations. Specific issues where Robby has assisted organizations are in matters related to international business models, cost structures for international organizations, process improvement for complex organization, and managing compliance of a diversified portfolio of funding. Prior to consulting, Robby has held leadership positions in domestic and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in charge of budgeting and financial reporting departments while also ensuring capacity building initiatives that meet the needs of international finance and compliance specialists. He has 20 years in nonprofit experience. He has worked on several USAID, USDA GATES Foundation, Rockerfeller, CIFF, UNICEF, and other private foundation projects implemented in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Ivory Coast, Vietnam, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Haiti. Robby has trained staff on policy and procedures, ethics and other operations specialties with a focus on the international development sector. His experience is building relevant operating models, financial management and grants and compliance skills in a manner that is innovative and practical Robby has worked in international development organizations in diverse sectors – faith based, health, education, and organizational capacity building. Robby’s vast industry knowledge ensures that solutions are grounded in practical, operational experience that support the strategic goals and missions of organizations. He has a MBA (Finance) - Southern New Hampshire University, M.Sc (International Community Economic Development) - Southern New Hampshire University, B.Sc (Finance) - Southern New Hampshire University, B.Comm (Accounting and Economics) – University of Witwatersrand (South Africa). He is Adjunct Professor (Masters in Community Economic Development) – University of New Hampshire (UNH).

Robby Vanrijkel, MBA, MSc, BSc, BComm

Location: 

McLean, VA, US

Title: 

Industry Specialty Services (Nonprofit & Grantmakers Advisory) – Principal

Foundation Role: 

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Geoffrey (Geoff) Buckle, MD, MPH

Geoffrey Buckle, MD, MPH is a gastrointestinal (medical) oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). His research focuses on the etiology, early detection, and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Eastern Africa. Dr. Buckle earned his Medical Degree at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He completed Internal Medicine residency and a fellowship in Medical Oncology at UCSF. He also completed a Master’s degree in Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He is a recipient of the Bloomberg School of Public health MPH Capstone Award, theAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Benjamin H. Kean Fellowship in Tropical Medicine, the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Junior Clinical Investigator Award, and the Conquer Cancer Foundation / American Society of Clinical Oncology Global Oncology Young Investigator Award.

Geoffrey (Geoff) Buckle, MD, MPH

Location: 

San Francisco, California, US

Title: 

Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Chloe Cooney

Chloë Cooney has been leading global health policy and advocacy efforts for nearly 20 years. She currently serves as the Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, where she leads engagement with the U.S. Government. Prior to GAVI, Chloe worked at Planned Parenthood Global, the international arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), where she worked for more than a decade. Most recently, she served as the Senior Director of Strategy and Programs, where she oversaw programs to expand access to sexual and reproductive health and rights through innovative advocacy, service delivery and social norms strategies in 12 countries in Africa and Latin America. Previously, Chloe launched PPFA's foreign policy advocacy work where she interfaced with the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch and other key stakeholders to protect U.S. support for international family planning funding and policies. Before Planned Parenthood, Chloë helped launch several global health organizations and campaigns, including the Malaria Policy Center and the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases. She also worked in high-impact philanthropy, supporting donors to make strategic progressive policy investments. Chloe lives in Washington, DC with her wife and son.

Chloe Cooney

Location: 

Washington DC, US

Title: 

Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of Strategic Planning Task Force

Diana Menya, BSc, MBChB, MSc, PhD

Prof. Diana Menya is a medical doctor with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Epidemiology and a doctorate in Environmental Health. She is a founding member of Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya, where has served as Chair of her department, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics and acting Dean School of Public Health. As a teacher and a researcher, she has vast experience in working in rural communities where she conducts her own research and supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate students in their research. She brings the perspective of a Clinician, an Epidemiologist and Environmental Health expert into her teaching, research, and community work. Prof. Menya’s research interests are in both non-communicable disease (NCD) and communicable diseases. Her NCD research for the past ten years has focused on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma which has a high incidence in both men and women in western Kenya. She is the Principal Investigator in a large NIH/NCI funded study in esophageal cancer in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). She is also the Eldoret site coordinator for the Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Africa Prevention Research (ESCCAPE), working with Tanzania and Malawi. She is a founding member of African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), started by a group of researchers to coordinate etiologic and molecular studies of on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Africa. She is serving as a board member of The AfrECC Foundation since June, 2024.

Diana Menya, BSc, MBChB, MSc, PhD

Location: 

Eldoret, Kenya

Title: 

Epidemiologist, Moi University

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Gift Mulima, MD

A General Surgeon trained and working at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), the only tertiary and public referral hospital in the central region of Malawi with about 7 million people. A member of the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS) and the African esophageal cancer consortium (AFrECC). He has both diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy skills. He is involved in teaching medical students and surgical trainees and has published more than 20 scientific peer-reviewed articles. He is keen to develop and expand surgical education and clinical research in Malawi to provide safe surgery and improved patient care. A Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Malawi (now Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES)). A PhD candidate at the University of Bergen, Norway.

Gift Mulima, MD

Location: 

Lilongwe, Malawi

Title: 

General Surgeon, Kamuzu Central Hospital

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH.

Dr. Beatrice Paul Mushi is a distinguished Public Health Specialist and researcher specialized in the field of cancer in Tanzania. Currently serving as the Program Manager for the collaborative Cancer Program between Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and the University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF). Dr. Mushi’s expertise spans a wide range of area, including research, training, patient advocacy and capacity building, all aimed at advancing cancer care-related initiatives. Dr. Mushi holds both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from MUHAS. Additionally, she is certified in Project management for Developing Projects for Professionals by Crown Agents in London, UK and a WomenLift Health one year Leadership Program Cohort 2 Alumni. Her extensive experience in research project management includes oversight of a diverse portfolio of multidisciplinary projects oncology, radiology, surgery, pathology, nursing and epidemiology. As a Principal Investigator, Co-investigator and Trainee mentor to various projects, Dr. Mushi has made significant contributions to advocacy and development of interventions for cancer care in Tanzania. She supervises a dedicated team of Clinicians Research Coordinators, scholars and acts as a liaison among trainees, faculty and international partners across East Africa and beyond. Dr. Mushi oversees the D43 Cancer Research Training Program in Tanzania (CRTP-TZ), and supports the day-to-day activities of programs affiliated with CreDO, Fogarty and GloCal Health Fellowship awardees, fostering the next generation of cancer researchers. As the one of the founding members and former Chair of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), Dr. Mushi is actively engaged in etiology, clinical, and Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) on esophageal cancer. In addition, she is a member of the AfrECC Steering Committee and the AfrECC Foundation Board. Her passion for cancer research extends to mentoring emerging leaders in the field, emphasizing hands-on training to advance knowledge, enhancing capacity, leadership development, and improving cancer care in Tanzania and broader East African Region.

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH.

Location: 

Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania

Title: 

Program Manager, Cancer Collaboration Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF)

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Dr Michael Mwachiro is a Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist based at Avenue HealthCare in Nairobi, Kenya. He is also the Vice President of the Surgical Society of Kenya and Chair of the Education and Research committee for the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). Dr Mwachiro is also a Co-Chair of the African Organization for Research and Training (AORTIC) Education and Training committee. He is a founder member of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC) and The AFrECC Foundation. He is an alumnus of the African Cancer Leaders Institute (ACLI) and the FOGARTY UCSF Global Fellowship program. He is actively involved in mentoring upcoming researchers through the African Cancer STARs Program - The Strategic Training Achievements for Research Success as well as the UCSF CHESA - The Center for Health Equity in Surgery and Anesthesia Fellowship program. His research interests are focused on surgical education and Gastrointestinal malignancies with an emphasis on esophageal cancer. He carried out the first screening study for esophageal cancer in Africa using Lugol’s Chromoendoscopy in collaboration with the US National Cancer Institute and Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an Associate Member of the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators as well as a COSECSA master trainer. He is engaged in endoscopy training in both basic and advanced techniques in the region. Dr Mwachiro has published widely on esophageal cancer palliation, early detection and treatment and is also an author of a book – Reflections on Mentorship. He is the Deputy editor of the East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Assistant editor for the Annals of African Surgery, International editorial board member for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Editorial board member for SURGERY Journal and Associate Editor Diseases of the Esophagus.

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Location: 

Nairobi, Kenya

Title: 

Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, Avenue HealthCare

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Ike Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Ike Ogbuebile is a seasoned corporate strategist, media analyst, and certified executive trainer whose experience spans across diverse sectors with over two decades in transformational leadership, people development, and organizational performance. He has provided consulting services for international clients in the private and public sectors. He currently serves as CEO of Autism Ally Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. Ike previously served as the Director of Operations for the Creative Africa Exchange (CAX), a platform aimed at fostering collaboration and success among creatives across Africa. CAX was working to secure a $2 billion investment from Afreximbank to support Africa’s burgeoning creative economy. Proficient in engaging diverse audiences, enhancing campaigns, building relationships, and talent management. He is adept at simplifying complex strategic objectives and executing them effectively. He holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Middlesex University in London, England and studied at Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Ike Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Location: 

Washington DC area, US

Title: 

Founder & CEO, Encase Consulting

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Mark Topazian, MD

Mark Topazian is a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine. He has practiced and taught medicine at Yale University, the Mayo Clinic, and in multiple sub-Saharan African countries. For the past five years, he and his wife Janet have lived and worked in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Mark Topazian, MD

Location: 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Title: 

Gastroenterologist

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Dr. Jerome D. Waye is a pioneer in the field of endoscopy, having developed many of the techniques used in colonoscopy. He is a renowned teacher of endoscopy and has introduced the concept of remote training to bring knowledge of endoscopy to underdeveloped areas of the world. While an undergraduate at MIT, he was coxswain of the winning crew at the Henley Royal Regatta. He has written over 200 scientific papers and authored/edited 7 books including the Best Scientific Book Award for “Colonoscopy, Principles and Practice”. He was president of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American College of Gastroenterology and the World Endoscopy Organization. He retired after 61 years at the Mount Sinai Hospital and is an Emeritus Professor in Medicine and in Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Location: 

New York area, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Mt Sinai, New York

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of the Remote Endoscopic Teaching Task Force

Gift Mulima, MD

A General Surgeon trained and working at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), the only tertiary and public referral hospital in the central region of Malawi with about 7 million people. A member of the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS) and the African esophageal cancer consortium (AFrECC). He has both diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy skills. He is involved in teaching medical students and surgical trainees and has published more than 20 scientific peer-reviewed articles. He is keen to develop and expand surgical education and clinical research in Malawi to provide safe surgery and improved patient care. A Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Malawi (now Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES)). A PhD candidate at the University of Bergen, Norway.

Gift Mulima, MD

Location: 

Lilongwe, Malawi

Title: 

General Surgeon, Kamuzu Central Hospital

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH.

Dr. Beatrice Paul Mushi is a distinguished Public Health Specialist and researcher specialized in the field of cancer in Tanzania. Currently serving as the Program Manager for the collaborative Cancer Program between Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and the University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF). Dr. Mushi’s expertise spans a wide range of area, including research, training, patient advocacy and capacity building, all aimed at advancing cancer care-related initiatives. Dr. Mushi holds both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from MUHAS. Additionally, she is certified in Project management for Developing Projects for Professionals by Crown Agents in London, UK and a WomenLift Health one year Leadership Program Cohort 2 Alumni. Her extensive experience in research project management includes oversight of a diverse portfolio of multidisciplinary projects oncology, radiology, surgery, pathology, nursing and epidemiology. As a Principal Investigator, Co-investigator and Trainee mentor to various projects, Dr. Mushi has made significant contributions to advocacy and development of interventions for cancer care in Tanzania. She supervises a dedicated team of Clinicians Research Coordinators, scholars and acts as a liaison among trainees, faculty and international partners across East Africa and beyond. Dr. Mushi oversees the D43 Cancer Research Training Program in Tanzania (CRTP-TZ), and supports the day-to-day activities of programs affiliated with CreDO, Fogarty and GloCal Health Fellowship awardees, fostering the next generation of cancer researchers. As the one of the founding members and former Chair of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), Dr. Mushi is actively engaged in etiology, clinical, and Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) on esophageal cancer. In addition, she is a member of the AfrECC Steering Committee and the AfrECC Foundation Board. Her passion for cancer research extends to mentoring emerging leaders in the field, emphasizing hands-on training to advance knowledge, enhancing capacity, leadership development, and improving cancer care in Tanzania and broader East African Region.

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH.

Location: 

Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania

Title: 

Program Manager, Cancer Collaboration Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF)

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Dr Michael Mwachiro is a Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist based at Avenue HealthCare in Nairobi, Kenya. He is also the Vice President of the Surgical Society of Kenya and Chair of the Education and Research committee for the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). Dr Mwachiro is also a Co-Chair of the African Organization for Research and Training (AORTIC) Education and Training committee. He is a founder member of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC) and The AFrECC Foundation. He is an alumnus of the African Cancer Leaders Institute (ACLI) and the FOGARTY UCSF Global Fellowship program. He is actively involved in mentoring upcoming researchers through the African Cancer STARs Program - The Strategic Training Achievements for Research Success as well as the UCSF CHESA - The Center for Health Equity in Surgery and Anesthesia Fellowship program. His research interests are focused on surgical education and Gastrointestinal malignancies with an emphasis on esophageal cancer. He carried out the first screening study for esophageal cancer in Africa using Lugol’s Chromoendoscopy in collaboration with the US National Cancer Institute and Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an Associate Member of the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators as well as a COSECSA master trainer. He is engaged in endoscopy training in both basic and advanced techniques in the region. Dr Mwachiro has published widely on esophageal cancer palliation, early detection and treatment and is also an author of a book – Reflections on Mentorship. He is the Deputy editor of the East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Assistant editor for the Annals of African Surgery, International editorial board member for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Editorial board member for SURGERY Journal and Associate Editor Diseases of the Esophagus.

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Location: 

Nairobi, Kenya

Title: 

Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, Avenue HealthCare

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Ike Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Ike Ogbuebile is a seasoned corporate strategist, media analyst, and certified executive trainer whose experience spans across diverse sectors with over two decades in transformational leadership, people development, and organizational performance. He has provided consulting services for international clients in the private and public sectors. He currently serves as CEO of Autism Ally Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. Ike previously served as the Director of Operations for the Creative Africa Exchange (CAX), a platform aimed at fostering collaboration and success among creatives across Africa. CAX was working to secure a $2 billion investment from Afreximbank to support Africa’s burgeoning creative economy. Proficient in engaging diverse audiences, enhancing campaigns, building relationships, and talent management. He is adept at simplifying complex strategic objectives and executing them effectively. He holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Middlesex University in London, England and studied at Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Ike Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Location: 

Washington DC area, US

Title: 

Founder & CEO, Encase Consulting

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Mark Topazian, MD

Mark Topazian is a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine. He has practiced and taught medicine at Yale University, the Mayo Clinic, and in multiple sub-Saharan African countries. For the past five years, he and his wife Janet have lived and worked in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Mark Topazian, MD

Location: 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Title: 

Gastroenterologist

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Dr. Jerome D. Waye is a pioneer in the field of endoscopy, having developed many of the techniques used in colonoscopy. He is a renowned teacher of endoscopy and has introduced the concept of remote training to bring knowledge of endoscopy to underdeveloped areas of the world. While an undergraduate at MIT, he was coxswain of the winning crew at the Henley Royal Regatta. He has written over 200 scientific papers and authored/edited 7 books including the Best Scientific Book Award for “Colonoscopy, Principles and Practice”. He was president of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American College of Gastroenterology and the World Endoscopy Organization. He retired after 61 years at the Mount Sinai Hospital and is an Emeritus Professor in Medicine and in Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Location: 

New York area, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Mt Sinai, New York

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of the Remote Endoscopic Teaching Task Force

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Gift Mulima, MD

A General Surgeon trained and working at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), the only tertiary and public referral hospital in the central region of Malawi with about 7 million people. A member of the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS) and the African esophageal cancer consortium (AFrECC). He has both diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy skills. He is involved in teaching medical students and surgical trainees and has published more than 20 scientific peer-reviewed articles. He is keen to develop and expand surgical education and clinical research in Malawi to provide safe surgery and improved patient care. A Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Malawi (now Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES)). A PhD candidate at the University of Bergen, Norway.

Gift Mulima, MD

Location: 

Lilongwe, Malawi

Title: 

General Surgeon, Kamuzu Central Hospital

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH.

Dr. Beatrice Paul Mushi is a distinguished Public Health Specialist and researcher specialized in the field of cancer in Tanzania. Currently serving as the Program Manager for the collaborative Cancer Program between Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and the University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF). Dr. Mushi’s expertise spans a wide range of area, including research, training, patient advocacy and capacity building, all aimed at advancing cancer care-related initiatives. Dr. Mushi holds both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from MUHAS. Additionally, she is certified in Project management for Developing Projects for Professionals by Crown Agents in London, UK and a WomenLift Health one year Leadership Program Cohort 2 Alumni. Her extensive experience in research project management includes oversight of a diverse portfolio of multidisciplinary projects oncology, radiology, surgery, pathology, nursing and epidemiology. As a Principal Investigator, Co-investigator and Trainee mentor to various projects, Dr. Mushi has made significant contributions to advocacy and development of interventions for cancer care in Tanzania. She supervises a dedicated team of Clinicians Research Coordinators, scholars and acts as a liaison among trainees, faculty and international partners across East Africa and beyond. Dr. Mushi oversees the D43 Cancer Research Training Program in Tanzania (CRTP-TZ), and supports the day-to-day activities of programs affiliated with CreDO, Fogarty and GloCal Health Fellowship awardees, fostering the next generation of cancer researchers. As the one of the founding members and former Chair of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), Dr. Mushi is actively engaged in etiology, clinical, and Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) on esophageal cancer. In addition, she is a member of the AfrECC Steering Committee and the AfrECC Foundation Board. Her passion for cancer research extends to mentoring emerging leaders in the field, emphasizing hands-on training to advance knowledge, enhancing capacity, leadership development, and improving cancer care in Tanzania and broader East African Region.

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH.

Location: 

Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania

Title: 

Program Manager, Cancer Collaboration Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF)

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Dr Michael Mwachiro is a Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist based at Avenue HealthCare in Nairobi, Kenya. He is also the Vice President of the Surgical Society of Kenya and Chair of the Education and Research committee for the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). Dr Mwachiro is also a Co-Chair of the African Organization for Research and Training (AORTIC) Education and Training committee. He is a founder member of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC) and The AFrECC Foundation. He is an alumnus of the African Cancer Leaders Institute (ACLI) and the FOGARTY UCSF Global Fellowship program. He is actively involved in mentoring upcoming researchers through the African Cancer STARs Program - The Strategic Training Achievements for Research Success as well as the UCSF CHESA - The Center for Health Equity in Surgery and Anesthesia Fellowship program. His research interests are focused on surgical education and Gastrointestinal malignancies with an emphasis on esophageal cancer. He carried out the first screening study for esophageal cancer in Africa using Lugol’s Chromoendoscopy in collaboration with the US National Cancer Institute and Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an Associate Member of the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators as well as a COSECSA master trainer. He is engaged in endoscopy training in both basic and advanced techniques in the region. Dr Mwachiro has published widely on esophageal cancer palliation, early detection and treatment and is also an author of a book – Reflections on Mentorship. He is the Deputy editor of the East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Assistant editor for the Annals of African Surgery, International editorial board member for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Editorial board member for SURGERY Journal and Associate Editor Diseases of the Esophagus.

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Location: 

Nairobi, Kenya

Title: 

Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, Avenue HealthCare

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Ike Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Ike Ogbuebile is a seasoned corporate strategist, media analyst, and certified executive trainer whose experience spans across diverse sectors with over two decades in transformational leadership, people development, and organizational performance. He has provided consulting services for international clients in the private and public sectors. He currently serves as CEO of Autism Ally Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. Ike previously served as the Director of Operations for the Creative Africa Exchange (CAX), a platform aimed at fostering collaboration and success among creatives across Africa. CAX was working to secure a $2 billion investment from Afreximbank to support Africa’s burgeoning creative economy. Proficient in engaging diverse audiences, enhancing campaigns, building relationships, and talent management. He is adept at simplifying complex strategic objectives and executing them effectively. He holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Middlesex University in London, England and studied at Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Ike Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Location: 

Washington DC area, US

Title: 

Founder & CEO, Encase Consulting

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Mark Topazian, MD

Mark Topazian is a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine. He has practiced and taught medicine at Yale University, the Mayo Clinic, and in multiple sub-Saharan African countries. For the past five years, he and his wife Janet have lived and worked in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Mark Topazian, MD

Location: 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Title: 

Gastroenterologist

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Dr. Jerome D. Waye is a pioneer in the field of endoscopy, having developed many of the techniques used in colonoscopy. He is a renowned teacher of endoscopy and has introduced the concept of remote training to bring knowledge of endoscopy to underdeveloped areas of the world. While an undergraduate at MIT, he was coxswain of the winning crew at the Henley Royal Regatta. He has written over 200 scientific papers and authored/edited 7 books including the Best Scientific Book Award for “Colonoscopy, Principles and Practice”. He was president of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American College of Gastroenterology and the World Endoscopy Organization. He retired after 61 years at the Mount Sinai Hospital and is an Emeritus Professor in Medicine and in Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Location: 

New York area, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Mt Sinai, New York

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of the Remote Endoscopic Teaching Task Force

David Fleischer, MD

Dr. David Fleischer serves as Chairman of the Board of the AfrECC Foundation. He is an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (for which he served as President); American Gastroenterologic Association and the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr.Fleischer has been given the Schindler Award by the ASGE, its highest honor. He is a Master in the American College of Physicians and he served as a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow in the United States Senate. He has been involved in projects related to esophageal cancer in China, Iran, and East Africa. He is acknowledged for his pioneering work with laser therapy for esophageal cancer; video endoscopy; capsule endoscopy; and radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's. He has published more than 300 original articles/editorials and edited several books. He has lectured extensively and has spoken on all seven continents, including Antarctica. He served in the United Sates Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

David Fleischer, MD

Location: 

Washington DC, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

Foundation Role: 

Chairman, Board of Directors

Sanford (Sandy) Dawsey, MD

Dr. Dawsey recently retired as a Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, where he worked for 36 years. During his time at NIH, his main focus was the prevention and control of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). He performed multiple studies in China, Iran, Brazil and East Africa to understand the etiology of this cancer globally in high-risk populations, and he helped develop clinically useful early detection and treatment techniques for this disease. With US and Chinese colleagues, he developed an endoscopic early detection and treatment program for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that is now used in a national program to screen over 200,000 adults annually in high-risk areas of China, and this program has been shown to reduce ESCC mortality by ~33% over 10 years. Most recently, he was a founding member of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), which was created to perform coordinated etiologic, early detection and treatment, and palliation studies to try to reduce the burden of ESCC in Africa. He is currently President of the Board of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium Foundation. Dr. Dawsey has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Harvard University and a Doctor of Medicine Degree from Stanford University.

Sanford (Sandy) Dawsey, MD

Location: 

Washington DC area, US

Title: 

Retired Senior Investigator from the National Cancer Institute

Foundation Role: 

President, Board of Directors

Violet Kayamba, BScHB, MBChB, MMed, FCP(ECSA), Ph.D

Dr. Violet Kayamba is specialised in internal medicine and gastroenterology. She is a member of the African Oesophageal Cancer Consortium steering committee. She is a founding fellow of the East, Central, and Southern African College of Physicians, and current president of the Zambia College of Gastroenterology and Nutrition. She is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research, the World Endoscopy Organisation, the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, the African Forum for Research and Education in Health, the Consortium of Universities for Global Health and the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World.

Violet Kayamba, BScHB, MBChB, MMed, FCP(ECSA), Ph.D

Location: 

Lusaka, Zambia

Title: 

Senior Lecturer, University of Zambia School of Medicine

Foundation Role: 

Vice President, Board of Directors

Dorene E. McCourt, MBA

Ms. McCourt is a retired pharmaceutical and health care industry executive who enjoyed a career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing management with Merck, Astra Merck (now Astra Zeneca), and MGI Pharma (now Eisai) working on several blockbuster products: Mevacor, Prilosec, Cozaar. She established and led Alliance Management for Merck Medco and led Product Development and Employer Account Management for MedImpact Healthcare Systems. Since her retirement, Ms. McCourt contributes her time to nonprofit organizations focused on addressing serious healthcare issues, higher education, and the arts. She is Secretary of the Board for the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium Foundation. She is a Honorary Advisor and member of the Steering Committee for the Board of Advisors of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). She was Chair of the MFA Boston Associates from May 2019-2021 and Chair of the MFA Associates Advisory Board from May 2021-2023. Ms. McCourt is past-President of Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Foundation Board and past-Chair of its Finance Committee. Ms. McCourt has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from SMSU and a Masters in Business Administration Degree from Arizona State University.

Dorene E. McCourt, MBA

Location: 

Boston, MA, US

Title: 

Pharmaceutical marketing and sales executive (retired)

Foundation Role: 

Secretary, Board of Directors

Robby Vanrijkel, MBA, MSc, BSc, BComm

Robby Vanrijkel services clients in the nonprofit business with areas of specialty in international development, operating models, compliance, financial and grants management, and improving the competitive posture of international organizations, while remaining aligned with their mission. Robby has provided consultations to management teams on a comprehensive range of operational areas including advising on streamlining diversifying funding, financial and operational processes, regulatory interpretations and compliance, ensuring adequate internal controls and effectively managing international organizations. Specific issues where Robby has assisted organizations are in matters related to international business models, cost structures for international organizations, process improvement for complex organization, and managing compliance of a diversified portfolio of funding. Prior to consulting, Robby has held leadership positions in domestic and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in charge of budgeting and financial reporting departments while also ensuring capacity building initiatives that meet the needs of international finance and compliance specialists. He has 20 years in nonprofit experience. He has worked on several USAID, USDA GATES Foundation, Rockerfeller, CIFF, UNICEF, and other private foundation projects implemented in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Ivory Coast, Vietnam, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Haiti. Robby has trained staff on policy and procedures, ethics and other operations specialties with a focus on the international development sector. His experience is building relevant operating models, financial management and grants and compliance skills in a manner that is innovative and practical Robby has worked in international development organizations in diverse sectors – faith based, health, education, and organizational capacity building. Robby’s vast industry knowledge ensures that solutions are grounded in practical, operational experience that support the strategic goals and missions of organizations. He has a MBA (Finance) - Southern New Hampshire University, M.Sc (International Community Economic Development) - Southern New Hampshire University, B.Sc (Finance) - Southern New Hampshire University, B.Comm (Accounting and Economics) – University of Witwatersrand (South Africa). He is Adjunct Professor (Masters in Community Economic Development) – University of New Hampshire (UNH).

Robby Vanrijkel, MBA, MSc, BSc, BComm

Location: 

McLean, VA, US

Title: 

Industry Specialty Services (Nonprofit & Grantmakers Advisory) – Principal

Foundation Role: 

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Geoffrey (Geoff) Buckle, MD, MPH

Geoffrey Buckle, MD, MPH is a gastrointestinal (medical) oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). His research focuses on the etiology, early detection, and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Eastern Africa. Dr. Buckle earned his Medical Degree at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He completed Internal Medicine residency and a fellowship in Medical Oncology at UCSF. He also completed a Master’s degree in Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He is a recipient of the Bloomberg School of Public health MPH Capstone Award, theAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Benjamin H. Kean Fellowship in Tropical Medicine, the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Junior Clinical Investigator Award, and the Conquer Cancer Foundation / American Society of Clinical Oncology Global Oncology Young Investigator Award.

Geoffrey (Geoff) Buckle, MD, MPH

Location: 

San Francisco, California, US

Title: 

Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Chloe Cooney

Chloë Cooney has been leading global health policy and advocacy efforts for nearly 20 years. She currently serves as the Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, where she leads engagement with the U.S. Government. Prior to GAVI, Chloe worked at Planned Parenthood Global, the international arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), where she worked for more than a decade. Most recently, she served as the Senior Director of Strategy and Programs, where she oversaw programs to expand access to sexual and reproductive health and rights through innovative advocacy, service delivery and social norms strategies in 12 countries in Africa and Latin America. Previously, Chloe launched PPFA's foreign policy advocacy work where she interfaced with the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch and other key stakeholders to protect U.S. support for international family planning funding and policies. Before Planned Parenthood, Chloë helped launch several global health organizations and campaigns, including the Malaria Policy Center and the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases. She also worked in high-impact philanthropy, supporting donors to make strategic progressive policy investments. Chloe lives in Washington, DC with her wife and son.

Chloe Cooney

Location: 

Washington DC, US

Title: 

Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of Strategic Planning Task Force

Diana Menya, BSc, MBChB, MSc, PhD

Prof. Diana Menya is a medical doctor with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Epidemiology and a doctorate in Environmental Health. She is a founding member of Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya, where has served as Chair of her department, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics and acting Dean School of Public Health. As a teacher and a researcher, she has vast experience in working in rural communities where she conducts her own research and supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate students in their research. She brings the perspective of a Clinician, an Epidemiologist and Environmental Health expert into her teaching, research, and community work. Prof. Menya’s research interests are in both non-communicable disease (NCD) and communicable diseases. Her NCD research for the past ten years has focused on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma which has a high incidence in both men and women in western Kenya. She is the Principal Investigator in a large NIH/NCI funded study in esophageal cancer in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). She is also the Eldoret site coordinator for the Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Africa Prevention Research (ESCCAPE), working with Tanzania and Malawi. She is a founding member of African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), started by a group of researchers to coordinate etiologic and molecular studies of on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Africa. She is serving as a board member of The AfrECC Foundation since June, 2024.

Diana Menya, BSc, MBChB, MSc, PhD

Location: 

Eldoret, Kenya

Title: 

Epidemiologist, Moi University

Foundation Role: 

Board member

AfrECC's board members are spread across 19 countries, contributing their global perspectives to our mission.

Sanford (Sandy) Dawsey, MD

Location: Washington DC area, US

Title: Retired Senior Investigator from the National Cancer Institute

Foundation Role: President, Board of Directors

Violet Kayamba, BScHB, MBChB, MMed, FCP (ECSA),

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Title: Senior Lecturer, University of Zambia School of Medicine

Foundation Role: Vice President, Board of Directors

Dorene E. McCourt, MBA

Location: Boston, MA and Burlington, WI, US

Title: Pharmaceutical marketing and sales executive (retired)

Foundation Role: Secretary, Board of Directors

Robby Vanrijkel, MBA, MSc, BSc, BComm

Location: McLean, VA, US

Title: Industry Specialty Services (Nonprofit & Grantmakers Advisory) – Principal

Foundation Role: Treasurer, Board of Directors

Geoffrey Buckle, MD, MPH

Location: San Francisco, CA, US

Title: Assistant Professor in the Division ofHematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

Foundation Role: Board member

Chloe Cooney

Location: Washington DC, US 

Title: Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi

Foundation Role: Board member; Leader of Strategic Planning Task Force

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH

Location: Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania

Title: Program Manager, Cancer Collaboration Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF)

Foundation Role: Board member

Diana Menya, BSc, MBChB, MSc, PhD

Location: 

Eldoret, Kenya

Title: 

Epidemiologist, Moi University

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Gift Mulima, MD

Location: 

Lilongwe, Malawi

Title: 

General Surgeon, Kamuzu Central Hospital

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Jerome (Jerry) D. Waye, MD

Location: 

New York, US

Title: 

Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Mt Sinai, New York

Foundation Role: 

Board member; Leader of the Remote Endoscopic Teaching Task Force

Michael Mwachiro, MD

Location: 

Nairobi, Kenya

Title: 

Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, Avenue Health Care

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Mark Topazian, MD

Location: 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Title: 

Gastroenterologist, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennial Medical Center

Foundation Role: 

Board member

Ogbuebile, MA, MiPD

Location: 

Washington DC, US

Title: 

Founder & CEO, Encase Consulting

Foundation Role: 

Board member

The AfrECC Steering Committee

The AfrECC consortium is governed by the AfrECC Steering Committee. Current Members include:

Beatrice Paul Mushi, MD, MPH
Location: Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania
Title: Program Manager for Cancer Collaboration, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)
SC Role: Incoming Chair, January 2025

Geoffrey Buckle, MD, MPH
Location: San Francisco, CA, US
Title: Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
SC Role: Committee member

Valerie McCormack, PhD
Location: Lyon, France
‍Title: Deputy Branch Head, Environmental and Lifestyle Epidemiology, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
SC Role: Committee member

Blandina Mmbaga MD, MMED, PhD
Location: Moshi, Tanzania
Title: Director, Kilimanjaro Research Institute
SC Role: Committee member

Gift Mulima, MD
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Title: General Surgeon, Kamuzu Central Hospital
SC Role: Committee member

Mark Topazian, MD
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Title: Gastroenterologist, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical Center
SC Role: Committee member

Violet Kayamba, BScHB, MBChB, MMed, FCP(ECSA), Ph.D
‍Location: Lusaka, Zambia
‍Title: Senior Lecture, University of Zambia School of Medicine
SC Role: Committee member

FAQs

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