Secretariat
The GFF Secretariat is responsible for managing the daily work of the GFF, including the GFF Multidonor Trust Fund; analytical work and technical assistance to GFF-supported country platforms, programs, and projects; engagement with global donors, partners, and stakeholders; results monitoring and reporting; and knowledge and learning.
The GFF Secretariat team is comprised of diverse experts in areas such as health systems, health financing, civil registration and vital statistics, maternal and child health, nutrition, family planning, private sector engagement, communications, knowledge and learning, and monitoring and evaluation, as well as secondees from GFF partner organizations.
Contact: GFFSecretariat@worldbank.org
Meet the team
Dr. Monique Vledder
World Bank Group Director, Health｜Director, GFF
Dr. Monique Vledder
World Bank Group Director, Health｜Director, GFF
Dr. Monique Vledder is global director of the Health, Nutrition and Population Unit at the World Bank Group leading the team responsible for technical assistance, analytical work, partnerships and learning on key global health issues including service delivery, climate and health, and pandemic preparedness among others. Previously, she was head of secretariat for the GFF. Monique led the design of the GFF business model as well as the establishment of the GFF Secretariat and the successful expansion to 38 partner countries. The GFF provides catalytic financing and technical assistance to low and lower-middle income partner countries, supporting the development and implementation of country-led national health plans to scale up access to affordable, quality care.
Monique is passionate about innovative and smart investments to improve women, children and adolescent health and her expertise in reproductive health, health systems strengthening, and financing and service delivery has been built over more than 25 years of global health experience working in various regions including Africa, Latin America, and East Asia. She led World Bank financed country programs on health systems reform and primary health care in Latin America and East and Southern Africa. She also managed U.K. Department for International Development programs on women’s health, health financing and inequality in Brazil and led a portfolio of maternal and child health and nutrition programs for World Vision International in Indonesia. Prior to the establishment of the GFF in 2015, Monique managed the Health Results Innovation Fund, an initiative that focused on innovations in health financing and frontline service delivery.
Monique holds an MD from the University of Amsterdam, an MPH in International Health from Harvard University, a diploma in health economics from the University of York and a certificate in Women and Leadership from the Said Business School in London. She is a proud mother of two.
Monique is passionate about innovative and smart investments to improve women, children and adolescent health and her expertise in reproductive health, health systems strengthening, and financing and service delivery has been built over more than 25 years of global health experience working in various regions including Africa, Latin America, and East Asia. She led World Bank financed country programs on health systems reform and primary health care in Latin America and East and Southern Africa. She also managed U.K. Department for International Development programs on women’s health, health financing and inequality in Brazil and led a portfolio of maternal and child health and nutrition programs for World Vision International in Indonesia. Prior to the establishment of the GFF in 2015, Monique managed the Health Results Innovation Fund, an initiative that focused on innovations in health financing and frontline service delivery.
Monique holds an MD from the University of Amsterdam, an MPH in International Health from Harvard University, a diploma in health economics from the University of York and a certificate in Women and Leadership from the Said Business School in London. She is a proud mother of two.
Luc Laviolette
Head of GFF Secretariat
Luc Laviolette
Head of GFF Secretariat
Luc Laviolette, a Canadian national, is the head of secretariat for the GFF. Luc led the GFF’s country programs from 2017 to 2020, where he was instrumental in shaping the GFF’s 2021–2025 strategy. He returns to the GFF after most recently leading the World Bank’s human development portfolio for the Maghreb Region and Malta.
From 2013 to 2017, he was program leader for human development for the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo, based in Kinshasa, where he coordinated World Bank investments in health, nutrition, population, education, social protection, gender and fragility.
He joined the World Bank as senior nutrition specialist in the South Asia Region in 2009, initially based in New Delhi, India and then in Islamabad, Pakistan. Prior to joining the World Bank, he held several positions including regional director for Asia in the non-profit organization Nutrition International, and various positions at the Canadian International Development Agency. He also worked as counselor to the executive director for Canada, China, Spain, Korea and Kuwait at the African Development Bank, based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and worked at the International Development Research Centre in Canada.
From 2013 to 2017, he was program leader for human development for the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo, based in Kinshasa, where he coordinated World Bank investments in health, nutrition, population, education, social protection, gender and fragility.
He joined the World Bank as senior nutrition specialist in the South Asia Region in 2009, initially based in New Delhi, India and then in Islamabad, Pakistan. Prior to joining the World Bank, he held several positions including regional director for Asia in the non-profit organization Nutrition International, and various positions at the Canadian International Development Agency. He also worked as counselor to the executive director for Canada, China, Spain, Korea and Kuwait at the African Development Bank, based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and worked at the International Development Research Centre in Canada.
Emmanuel Adebayo
Implementation Research and Adolescent Health Specialist
Emmanuel Adebayo
Implementation Research and Adolescent Health Specialist
Emmanuel is a public health researcher with over 15 years of experience advancing adolescent well-being through research, policy, and practice. He currently leads the Adolescent Health Learning, Action, and Benchmarking (AdLAB) initiative at the GFF.
A former HBNU Fogarty Global Health Fellow and Sexuality Leadership Development Fellow, Emmanuel has led randomized controlled trials, implementation research, longitudinal studies, and systematic reviews on adolescent health and risk behaviors. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals, including The Lancet and BMJ. Emmanuel has contributed to global and national health policy through WHO’s GAMA group and the GFF and led the development of Nigeria’s first M&E framework for adolescent health.
He holds an MPH from the University of Ilorin and a PhD in public health, focusing on adolescent health, from the University of Ibadan.
A former HBNU Fogarty Global Health Fellow and Sexuality Leadership Development Fellow, Emmanuel has led randomized controlled trials, implementation research, longitudinal studies, and systematic reviews on adolescent health and risk behaviors. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals, including The Lancet and BMJ. Emmanuel has contributed to global and national health policy through WHO’s GAMA group and the GFF and led the development of Nigeria’s first M&E framework for adolescent health.
He holds an MPH from the University of Ilorin and a PhD in public health, focusing on adolescent health, from the University of Ibadan.
Bushra Binte Alam
Senior Health Specialist
Bushra Binte Alam
Senior Health Specialist
Bushra has over 30 years of global health and development experience. Currently, she is on a developmental assignment with the GFF, focusing on West and Central Africa, and serves as focal point for Sierra Leone and regional focal point for RMNCAH-N.
She has led key health projects in South Asia, including Bangladesh’s health sector SWAP and health and gender support project, Sri Lanka’s primary health care strengthening project, and India’s Tamil Nadu health system strengthening project. She designed Bangladesh’s first PforR project and supported SWAP in Nigeria, the Punjab family planning program in Pakistan, and the South Sudan health project.
Before joining the World Bank, she worked with Bangladesh government, the UN, and DFiD.
She is a physician with a master’s in virology and an MPhil in preventive and social medicine. She coauthored the "Bangladesh Health System Review: HiT for the Asia Pacific Observatory.
She has led key health projects in South Asia, including Bangladesh’s health sector SWAP and health and gender support project, Sri Lanka’s primary health care strengthening project, and India’s Tamil Nadu health system strengthening project. She designed Bangladesh’s first PforR project and supported SWAP in Nigeria, the Punjab family planning program in Pakistan, and the South Sudan health project.
Before joining the World Bank, she worked with Bangladesh government, the UN, and DFiD.
She is a physician with a master’s in virology and an MPhil in preventive and social medicine. She coauthored the "Bangladesh Health System Review: HiT for the Asia Pacific Observatory.
Julie Bazolana
Program Assistant
Julie Bazolana
Program Assistant
Julie provides administrative and operational support to the GFF's country engagement, RMNCAH-N, and gender workstreams. She brings more than 18 years of experience with World Bank operations in Washington, DC, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she supported human development projects and the Country Management Unit. She has extensive expertise in portfolio monitoring, disbursement tracking, procurement, financial management, and quality assurance. She has also contributed to institutional capacity-building by training government counterparts on World Bank financial management procedures and IPF procurement systems.
Before joining the GFF, she worked with the UN (MONUSCO and UNDP) in human resources and financial reporting.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in social development, a diploma in computer programming, and is currently pursuing a master's in public health with a focus on health systems management and epidemiology.
Before joining the GFF, she worked with the UN (MONUSCO and UNDP) in human resources and financial reporting.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in social development, a diploma in computer programming, and is currently pursuing a master's in public health with a focus on health systems management and epidemiology.
Richa Bhattarai
External Relations Officer
Richa Bhattarai
External Relations Officer
Richa is the communications lead, driving the GFF’s strategic communications and work program. A storyteller at heart, she showcases progress and results in partner countries through people-centered narrative.
Richa started her World Bank career in 2016 in Nepal, overseeing communications and outreach for the country team. In 2020, she moved to Washington, DC, to take up a role with the Bank’s Engagement & Partnerships Unit, focusing on civil society engagement, knowledge management, and risk monitoring. Prior to joining the Bank, Richa worked with Save the Children and WWF, building a career in strategic and crisis communications, advocacy and media engagement.
She holds a master’s degree in English literature and an MPhil in literature & linguistics.
Richa started her World Bank career in 2016 in Nepal, overseeing communications and outreach for the country team. In 2020, she moved to Washington, DC, to take up a role with the Bank’s Engagement & Partnerships Unit, focusing on civil society engagement, knowledge management, and risk monitoring. Prior to joining the Bank, Richa worked with Save the Children and WWF, building a career in strategic and crisis communications, advocacy and media engagement.
She holds a master’s degree in English literature and an MPhil in literature & linguistics.
Dieynaba Bocoume
Program Assistant
Dieynaba Bocoume
Program Assistant
Dieynaba supports the external relations and results teams with administrative and operational support. She brings over a decade of program and administrative experience across international organizations.
Before joining the GFF, she worked at the World Bank’s Dakar Country Office on multisectoral operations in water, environment, social development, and urban development. She also held roles at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), an international mining company, and the WHO Emergency Hub in Dakar, where she supported the Emergencies Program and was deployed to the regional office in Brazzaville during the Ebola response.
She holds a master’s degree in business administration.
Before joining the GFF, she worked at the World Bank’s Dakar Country Office on multisectoral operations in water, environment, social development, and urban development. She also held roles at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), an international mining company, and the WHO Emergency Hub in Dakar, where she supported the Emergencies Program and was deployed to the regional office in Brazzaville during the Ebola response.
She holds a master’s degree in business administration.
Tianying Chen
Financial Officer
Tianying Chen
Financial Officer
Tianying is a financial and program management professional with 20 years of experience, primarily at the World Bank. As financial officer for the GFF Trust Fund, she manages financial reporting to the Trust Fund Committee (TFC), supports the secretariat’s work plan and budget, provides portfolio reporting to management, and oversees trust fund administration.
Previously, she spent five years in the Bank’s Trust Fund Policy Unit (DFi), advising teams on trust fund management, contributing to policy and procedure drafting, and leading a system modernization project that reduced manual data entry and improved accuracy. She also had five years of experiences of managing large administrative budgets and capital investments for the Bank’s IT unit, where she conducted in-depth financial analyses for IT services and implemented automated budget reporting to enhance efficiency and reporting quality.
Previously, she spent five years in the Bank’s Trust Fund Policy Unit (DFi), advising teams on trust fund management, contributing to policy and procedure drafting, and leading a system modernization project that reduced manual data entry and improved accuracy. She also had five years of experiences of managing large administrative budgets and capital investments for the Bank’s IT unit, where she conducted in-depth financial analyses for IT services and implemented automated budget reporting to enhance efficiency and reporting quality.
Devy Damayanti
Program Assistant
Devy Damayanti
Program Assistant
Devy supports the head of the GFF Secretariat, leading high-level administrative and operational coordination, facilitating cross-team collaboration, and supporting strategic initiatives.
She previously completed a one-year developmental assignment in the World Bank’s Eastern and Southern Africa vice president’s office, supporting the regional vice president and the director of strategy and operations. From 2019 to 2024, she contributed to the external relations and the country operations workstreams at the GFF. Prior to joining the GFF, she was part of the front office of the senior vice president, UN relations and partnerships, and held roles in the country director’s office and administration unit at the World Bank’s Indonesia Country Office.
She previously completed a one-year developmental assignment in the World Bank’s Eastern and Southern Africa vice president’s office, supporting the regional vice president and the director of strategy and operations. From 2019 to 2024, she contributed to the external relations and the country operations workstreams at the GFF. Prior to joining the GFF, she was part of the front office of the senior vice president, UN relations and partnerships, and held roles in the country director’s office and administration unit at the World Bank’s Indonesia Country Office.
Lisa Diarra
Senior Operations Officer, SRHR
Lisa Diarra
Senior Operations Officer, SRHR
Lisa is part of the country operations team supporting countries to identify their reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health priorities and to design and implement GFF country contributions. She also leads the GFF adolescent health portfolio. With over 17 years of expertise in global health, she brings extensive expertise in strengthening health systems and advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), particularly in West and Central Africa. Her diverse experience includes various roles within the German international development cooperation and a secondment to PSI Mali.
Before joining the GFF, she led the GIZ health project ProSanté in Togo, aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
She holds a master’s degree in social sciences from Goethe University and a master’s degree in public health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Before joining the GFF, she led the GIZ health project ProSanté in Togo, aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
She holds a master’s degree in social sciences from Goethe University and a master’s degree in public health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Moussa Dieng
GFF Secretariat Contact
Moussa Dieng
GFF Secretariat Contact
Moussa brings extensive experience in policy dialogue, program management, and plays a key role in supporting health financing reforms across multiple countries. He oversees the GFF programs in Nigeria and Mauritania.
Prior to joining the GFF, he managed the World Bank’s health portfolios in Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Senegal.
He holds a PhD in Economics from CERDI, Clermont-Ferrand.
Prior to joining the GFF, he managed the World Bank’s health portfolios in Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Senegal.
He holds a PhD in Economics from CERDI, Clermont-Ferrand.
Jean Claude Taptue Fotso
Senior Health Specialist
Jean Claude Taptue Fotso
Senior Health Specialist
Jean Claude provides support to design and implement country program activities. Before joining the GFF he worked as task team leader for the World Bank, where he led preparation and implementation of
many health projects and analytical works as well as policy dialogue in countries such as Mali, Chad, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, and Gabon.
He has over 20 years of experience in public health and health system strengthening, including more than 10 years with the government of Cameroon, before joining the World Bank in 2015.
many health projects and analytical works as well as policy dialogue in countries such as Mali, Chad, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, and Gabon.
He has over 20 years of experience in public health and health system strengthening, including more than 10 years with the government of Cameroon, before joining the World Bank in 2015.
Karin Lane Gichuhi
Senior Health Specialist
Karin Lane Gichuhi
Senior Health Specialist
Karin supports the GFF’s results agenda to improve country-level health data collection and management systems and oversees the GFF Data Portal to support both implementation and policy-making decisions. Karin has provided concentrated engagement in Ghana, Uganda and Pakistan and serves as the GFF focal point for Kenya.
Karin is a strategic planning and program development specialist with more than 20 years of international experience in HIV/AIDS, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (pMTCT) and maternal and child health in developing countries. She previously served as a team lead within USAID’s Office of HIV/AIDS, focused on the application of data analysis to inform country implementation of PEPFAR-funded programs, and as field sirector for the AMPATH Kenya partnership, responsible for the rollout of PMTCT services to a catchment area of 2.2 million people in Kenya.
She holds an MPP in international relations and economics from Pepperdine University.
Karin is a strategic planning and program development specialist with more than 20 years of international experience in HIV/AIDS, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (pMTCT) and maternal and child health in developing countries. She previously served as a team lead within USAID’s Office of HIV/AIDS, focused on the application of data analysis to inform country implementation of PEPFAR-funded programs, and as field sirector for the AMPATH Kenya partnership, responsible for the rollout of PMTCT services to a catchment area of 2.2 million people in Kenya.
She holds an MPP in international relations and economics from Pepperdine University.
Peter Hansen
Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, Results Monitoring Lead
Peter Hansen
Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, Results Monitoring Lead
Peter leads the results & learning workstream, which focuses on results measurement, data use and learning in support of country clients and within the GFF.
Peter has more than 20 years of experience with monitoring and evaluation, health systems strengthening and reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition. Peter previously worked at Results for Development, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, the Johns Hopkins University, and with nongovernmental organizations.
He has a PhD in international health from the Johns Hopkins University and a master’s in East Asian studies from Stanford University.
Peter has more than 20 years of experience with monitoring and evaluation, health systems strengthening and reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition. Peter previously worked at Results for Development, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, the Johns Hopkins University, and with nongovernmental organizations.
He has a PhD in international health from the Johns Hopkins University and a master’s in East Asian studies from Stanford University.
Mohammad Tawab Hashemi
Senior Health Specialist
Mohammad Tawab Hashemi
Senior Health Specialist
Tawab leads GFF’s engagement in Tajikistan and Somalia and serves as the focal point for GFF support to fragile and conflict-affected countries (FCV). He has led several GFF initiatives, including the monitoring of essential health services during COVID-19, the rapid cycle analytics initiative, and efforts to strengthen the use of data for decision making. From 2020 to 2022, he also led GFF’s engagement in Liberia.
From 2008 to 2019, Tawab worked extensively in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. He led a major multidonor-financed health project in Afghanistan, provided technical support to strengthen performance-based contracting and performance management systems. He contributed to the development of performance-based financing programs in Tajikistan and the contracting of NGOs in Pakistan. Prior to joining the World Bank, he served at the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan as a grant and contract management specialist and worked with both local and international NGOs.
With more than 23 years of experience, Tawab brings expertise in service delivery, performance-based financing, and third-party monitoring in low-income and fragile settings. He has established a strong track record of working with governments, development partners, and civil society to strengthen health systems and improve outcomes.
From 2008 to 2019, Tawab worked extensively in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. He led a major multidonor-financed health project in Afghanistan, provided technical support to strengthen performance-based contracting and performance management systems. He contributed to the development of performance-based financing programs in Tajikistan and the contracting of NGOs in Pakistan. Prior to joining the World Bank, he served at the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan as a grant and contract management specialist and worked with both local and international NGOs.
With more than 23 years of experience, Tawab brings expertise in service delivery, performance-based financing, and third-party monitoring in low-income and fragile settings. He has established a strong track record of working with governments, development partners, and civil society to strengthen health systems and improve outcomes.
Brendan Hayes
Country Operations Lead
Brendan Hayes
Country Operations Lead
Brendan leads the GFF's country operations workstream. His technical work at the GFF focuses on increasing investments in health systems and service delivery platforms to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Prior to joining the GFF, Brendan spent eight years with MSI Reproductive Choices, leading private sector family planning and reproductive health service delivery, including four years with its Malawi affiliate, Banja La Mtsogolo. He began his career in eSwatini with the U.S. Peace Corps and the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS, supporting HIV prevention and impact mitigation efforts.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and a master’s degree in development studies from University College Dublin.
Prior to joining the GFF, Brendan spent eight years with MSI Reproductive Choices, leading private sector family planning and reproductive health service delivery, including four years with its Malawi affiliate, Banja La Mtsogolo. He began his career in eSwatini with the U.S. Peace Corps and the National Emergency Response Council on HIV and AIDS, supporting HIV prevention and impact mitigation efforts.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and a master’s degree in development studies from University College Dublin.
Maud Juquois
Senior Economist, Health
Maud Juquois
Senior Economist, Health
Maud leads the human resources for health technical agenda for the GFF Secretariat and works on the GFF-CIVIC partnership for civil society organization (CSO) engagement. She is also the GFF focal point for Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Zimbabwe.
Before joining the GFF in 2023, Maud was based in Madagascar and led World Bank portfolios for Madagascar and Comoros, with operations on nutrition, pandemic preparedness, primary health care, COVID-19 response and health system strengthening. She has extensive operational and analytical experience in the Africa region (more than 15 years working for the World Bank), including on health financing, human resources for health, maternal, adolescent and child health, designing and implementing results-based financing schemes.
She is currently based in Paris, France.
Before joining the GFF in 2023, Maud was based in Madagascar and led World Bank portfolios for Madagascar and Comoros, with operations on nutrition, pandemic preparedness, primary health care, COVID-19 response and health system strengthening. She has extensive operational and analytical experience in the Africa region (more than 15 years working for the World Bank), including on health financing, human resources for health, maternal, adolescent and child health, designing and implementing results-based financing schemes.
She is currently based in Paris, France.
Hyacinthe Kankeu Tchewonpi
Economist, Health
Hyacinthe Kankeu Tchewonpi
Economist, Health
Hyacinthe supports GFF’s work at the global and country level on various health financing issues, including equity, resource tracking, and review of reform implementation.
Before joining the GFF, he worked at the Technical Agency for Information on Hospital Care (ATIH) in France where he contributed to the maintenance of the French DRGs system and to the experimentation of bundle payments for surgery. He supported the department of health systems financing and governance at the World Health Organization (WHO) in developing a strategy for setting up a community of practice (CoP) on anti-corruption, transparency and accountability in health, a topic he addressed in his doctoral thesis. With WHO, Hyacinthe also participated in updating the National Health Accounts 1995–2010 of 13 Regional Office for the Americas (AMRO) Caribbean countries and in the production of the expenditure profile of AMRO countries.
As a consultant with Vital Strategies, Hyacinthe contributed to the implementation of the data to policy (D2P) program in Cameroon, leading all the sessions on health economic evaluation.
Before joining the GFF, he worked at the Technical Agency for Information on Hospital Care (ATIH) in France where he contributed to the maintenance of the French DRGs system and to the experimentation of bundle payments for surgery. He supported the department of health systems financing and governance at the World Health Organization (WHO) in developing a strategy for setting up a community of practice (CoP) on anti-corruption, transparency and accountability in health, a topic he addressed in his doctoral thesis. With WHO, Hyacinthe also participated in updating the National Health Accounts 1995–2010 of 13 Regional Office for the Americas (AMRO) Caribbean countries and in the production of the expenditure profile of AMRO countries.
As a consultant with Vital Strategies, Hyacinthe contributed to the implementation of the data to policy (D2P) program in Cameroon, leading all the sessions on health economic evaluation.
Sneha Kanneganti
Senior Private Sector Specialist
Sneha Kanneganti
Senior Private Sector Specialist
Sneha Kanneganti leads the GFF’s private sector engagement, which includes innovative financing, private sector partnerships, and technical assistance to country governments on private sector issues in health systems. Prior to joining the GFF, she was with the global health investments team at the International Finance Corporation and worked with the World Bank on developing its private sector strategy for health.
Sandhya Krishnan
Program Assistant
Sandhya Krishnan
Program Assistant
Sandhya provides administrative and operational support for the GFF’s health financing and trust fund operations team, including procurement, trust fund management, portfolio monitoring, and contract administration. She also supports health financing activities and organization of workshops.
She brings over 20 years of experience with global development institutions, including the World Bank in India — where she worked across the environment team, general administration, and the country management unit — supporting operations, procurement, and high-level visits. Earlier in her career, she led recruitment for 14 UN agencies under the UNDP umbrella in India.
She holds an MBA in human resources and a bachelor’s degree in commerce.
She brings over 20 years of experience with global development institutions, including the World Bank in India — where she worked across the environment team, general administration, and the country management unit — supporting operations, procurement, and high-level visits. Earlier in her career, she led recruitment for 14 UN agencies under the UNDP umbrella in India.
She holds an MBA in human resources and a bachelor’s degree in commerce.
Smita Kumar
Country Operations Lead
Smita Kumar
Country Operations Lead
Smita is a pediatrician and preventive medicine specialist with 20+ years of experience in global health and international development with over a decade of country-based work. Prior to joining the GFF, she worked with USAID for 13 years, most recently as the USAID country director in Lesotho.
Prior to that, she held senior technical advisory positions at USAID headquarters in newborn health, in Ethiopia as the child health lead and South Africa focused on pediatric and adolescent HIV prevention, care and treatment. Prior to USAID, she spent three years as a working pediatrician in Lesotho with Baylor College of Medicine and worked at HQ level for Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and UNICEF.
Smita has experience in senior management as well as in several elements of RMNCAH, health system resilience, pharmaceutical systems, community health and multisectoral programming.
Prior to that, she held senior technical advisory positions at USAID headquarters in newborn health, in Ethiopia as the child health lead and South Africa focused on pediatric and adolescent HIV prevention, care and treatment. Prior to USAID, she spent three years as a working pediatrician in Lesotho with Baylor College of Medicine and worked at HQ level for Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and UNICEF.
Smita has experience in senior management as well as in several elements of RMNCAH, health system resilience, pharmaceutical systems, community health and multisectoral programming.
Ed Llewellyn
Senior Commodities and Supply Chain Specialist
Ed Llewellyn
Senior Commodities and Supply Chain Specialist
Ed works in the country operations workstream supporting GFF focal points and relevant World Bank teams to identify financing and technical assistance interventions that will strengthen supply chain systems. He is responsible for development and implementation of the GFF's commodities and supply chain strengthening strategy to improve access to health services and nutrition for mothers, children and adolescents. At regional and global level Ed represents GFF in cross-funder fora to align on strategy and governance of supply chain system investments.
Ed is a supply chain expert and trusted advisor to governments and international donors in public health commodity security and medicines access. In addition to a wide range of consulting projects across Africa and a secondment to the NDoH in South Africa, he was on the founding teams of Coca-Cola’s Project Last Mile and the Africa Resource Centre — Africa’s Public Health Supply Chain Institution. Ed has also held regional and technical director roles for consultancies and NGOs.
Ed holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Bristol University and a supply chain micromasters credential from MIT.
Ed is a supply chain expert and trusted advisor to governments and international donors in public health commodity security and medicines access. In addition to a wide range of consulting projects across Africa and a secondment to the NDoH in South Africa, he was on the founding teams of Coca-Cola’s Project Last Mile and the Africa Resource Centre — Africa’s Public Health Supply Chain Institution. Ed has also held regional and technical director roles for consultancies and NGOs.
Ed holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Bristol University and a supply chain micromasters credential from MIT.
Supriya Madhavan
RMNCAH-N and Gender Lead
Supriya Madhavan
RMNCAH-N and Gender Lead
Supriya is a senior health specialist who joined the Africa Region of the World Bank in 2017, giving cross support to the GFF over the first six years, then mapped to the GFF as of July 2023. She worked primarily in West and Central Africa in the capacity of a family planning/sexual and reproductive health specialist and demographer. At the GFF, Supriya has been a key member of the reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH-N) technical team, advancing a breadth of technical assistance across the portfolio with deep engagement in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Moreover, she leads the GFF’s service delivery redesign portfolio, climate and health work, and high-quality health systems work program.
Before joining the World Bank/GFF, Supriya worked for USAID’s Office of Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in implementation research; worked for five years for Population Services International/Greenstar Social Marketing as a general manager for program support and with the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan; and worked with Doctors of the World/USA, as country director for FYR Kosovo during and after the war. She started her career in public health as an epidemiologist with the Chicago Department of Public Health during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. Supriya holds a PhD in population and health/demography from the Johns Hopkins University and an MPH in sociomedical sciences from Columbia University.
Before joining the World Bank/GFF, Supriya worked for USAID’s Office of Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in implementation research; worked for five years for Population Services International/Greenstar Social Marketing as a general manager for program support and with the Aga Khan Foundation in Pakistan; and worked with Doctors of the World/USA, as country director for FYR Kosovo during and after the war. She started her career in public health as an epidemiologist with the Chicago Department of Public Health during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. Supriya holds a PhD in population and health/demography from the Johns Hopkins University and an MPH in sociomedical sciences from Columbia University.
Anju Malhotra
Senior Gender and M&E Advisor
Anju Malhotra
Senior Gender and M&E Advisor
Anju Malhotra is senior gender and M&E advisor at GFF, on secondment from the Johns Hopkins University where she is a professor of international health.
A recognized leader on gender equality, reproductive health, and adolescent rights, Anju headed UNICEF’s work on gender equality, leading the development and implementation of UNICEF’s innovative and highly effective Gender Action Plan. She has been a leader in shaping the SDG target and global movement to end child marriage, in establishing the multidonor, multicountry global program to end child marriage, and in shaping the research agenda on child marriage and adolescent health.
Previously at the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), Anju led the design and impact evaluations of adolescent sexual and reproductive health programs, the keynote paper for the landmark 2007 Women Deliver conference, and the “Fertility and Empowerment Network.”
She holds a PhD in demography from the University of Michigan.
A recognized leader on gender equality, reproductive health, and adolescent rights, Anju headed UNICEF’s work on gender equality, leading the development and implementation of UNICEF’s innovative and highly effective Gender Action Plan. She has been a leader in shaping the SDG target and global movement to end child marriage, in establishing the multidonor, multicountry global program to end child marriage, and in shaping the research agenda on child marriage and adolescent health.
Previously at the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), Anju led the design and impact evaluations of adolescent sexual and reproductive health programs, the keynote paper for the landmark 2007 Women Deliver conference, and the “Fertility and Empowerment Network.”
She holds a PhD in demography from the University of Michigan.
Uma Mathur
Senior Operations Officer
Uma Mathur
Senior Operations Officer
Uma supports performance-based management of the GFF portfolio, bringing over 25 years of experience with the World Bank. She previously worked in the quality units of the East and West Africa regions, providing operational support, policy guidance on lending products, portfolio monitoring, and trust fund coordination, and has held roles in corporate units on trust fund policy and human resources.
She holds a master’s degree in international relations.
She holds a master’s degree in international relations.
Vineetha Menon
Operations Analyst
Vineetha Menon
Operations Analyst
Vineetha supports the trust fund management team, focusing on portfolio monitoring and quality assurance to ensure compliance with World Bank policies and procedures. She also supports the development of operational tools, including the country engagement summary workspace.
Before joining GFF, Vineetha spent 10 years with the World Bank’s trust funds division in Chennai, working with the TACT and trust fund accounting teams. She also collaborated with the Trust Funds Academy to deliver training for staff managing or supporting trust funds and umbrella programs.
A chartered accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Vineetha brings over 18 years of experience in finance, accounting, and auditing.
Before joining GFF, Vineetha spent 10 years with the World Bank’s trust funds division in Chennai, working with the TACT and trust fund accounting teams. She also collaborated with the Trust Funds Academy to deliver training for staff managing or supporting trust funds and umbrella programs.
A chartered accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Vineetha brings over 18 years of experience in finance, accounting, and auditing.
Anne-Sophie Monceau
Partnership Officer
Anne-Sophie Monceau
Partnership Officer
Anne-Sophie supports the External Relations team on partnership strategy, including resource mobilization, donor engagement, and collaborations with international organizations. She brings over 15 years of experience in development and partnerships.
Before joining the GFF, she served as senior advisor to the French ambassador for global health at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acting as chief of staff and leading work on governance and strategy in multilateral funds (Global Fund, Unitaid, UNAIDS, Pandemic Fund), the COVID-19 response, SRHR, gender equality in health, and France’s current global health strategy. Earlier, she spent a decade with the City of Paris, managing partnerships with African cities and leading health cooperation projects.
Before joining the GFF, she served as senior advisor to the French ambassador for global health at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acting as chief of staff and leading work on governance and strategy in multilateral funds (Global Fund, Unitaid, UNAIDS, Pandemic Fund), the COVID-19 response, SRHR, gender equality in health, and France’s current global health strategy. Earlier, she spent a decade with the City of Paris, managing partnerships with African cities and leading health cooperation projects.
Alison Morgan
Senior Maternal and Newborn Health Specialist
Alison Morgan
Senior Maternal and Newborn Health Specialist
Alison is the technical lead for maternal and newborn health across the GFF and the focal point for Ethiopia. A medical doctor with a PhD in health system strengthening, Alison has over 30 years of experience in global health research and development practice spanning Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Her areas of expertise include maternal and newborn health, health systems strengthening and capacity development of health workers.
Prior to joining the GFF, Alison was an associate professor at the University of Melbourne, Australia, where she led the Maternal, Sexual & Reproductive Health Unit at the Nossal Institute for Global Health.
Prior to joining the GFF, Alison was an associate professor at the University of Melbourne, Australia, where she led the Maternal, Sexual & Reproductive Health Unit at the Nossal Institute for Global Health.
Biram Ndiaye
Senior Nutrition Specialist
Biram Ndiaye
Senior Nutrition Specialist
Biram Ndiaye is a senior nutrition specialist with over 25 years’ experience in children’s, adolescent, and women’s nutrition, multisectoral nutrition policy and strategy development, public finance for nutrition, strategic management, and implementation of large-scale multisectoral nutrition programs acquired through working in humanitarian and development contexts.
As a senior nutrition specialist within Global Financing Facility (GFF) Secretariat at World Bank, Biram leads the development and oversee the quality of the GFF engagement in nutrition. He provides technical assistance to client countries and World Bank task teams on the integration of nutrition into GFF investment cases, health systems and financing reforms, and associated maternal, child and adolescent health programs and platforms.
Prior to joining GFF Secretariat, Biram worked with UNICEF, as chief of nutrition in Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso between 2008 and 2023. As the national coordinator of Senegal's National Committee for the Fight Against Malnutrition in the Office of the Prime Minister (2001–2008), Biram supported the formulation of a national multisectoral nutrition policy and managed the Nutrition Enhancement Program. Biram was also country director in Cameroon for the humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger between 1999 and 2001.
Biram holds a PhD in nutrition from Denis Diderot University (Paris, France), a master’s in public health from Royal Tropical Institute (KIT, Amsterdam, Netherlands) and a MSc in the analysis of food policies and practices from Pantheon Sorbonne University (Paris, France). He is a certified strategy planning professional (SPP) from the International Association of Strategy Professionals.
As a senior nutrition specialist within Global Financing Facility (GFF) Secretariat at World Bank, Biram leads the development and oversee the quality of the GFF engagement in nutrition. He provides technical assistance to client countries and World Bank task teams on the integration of nutrition into GFF investment cases, health systems and financing reforms, and associated maternal, child and adolescent health programs and platforms.
Prior to joining GFF Secretariat, Biram worked with UNICEF, as chief of nutrition in Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso between 2008 and 2023. As the national coordinator of Senegal's National Committee for the Fight Against Malnutrition in the Office of the Prime Minister (2001–2008), Biram supported the formulation of a national multisectoral nutrition policy and managed the Nutrition Enhancement Program. Biram was also country director in Cameroon for the humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger between 1999 and 2001.
Biram holds a PhD in nutrition from Denis Diderot University (Paris, France), a master’s in public health from Royal Tropical Institute (KIT, Amsterdam, Netherlands) and a MSc in the analysis of food policies and practices from Pantheon Sorbonne University (Paris, France). He is a certified strategy planning professional (SPP) from the International Association of Strategy Professionals.
Rachel Neill
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Rachel Neill
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Rachel is technical lead for the GFF’s frequent assessments and systems tools for resilience (FASTR) rapid-cycle analytics and data-use initiative. In this role, she supports over 20 countries to rapidly collect, analyze and learn from data to catalyze data-driven decision making. She is also the GFF’s results specialist for Nigeria, supporting adaptive performance management and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) approaches to reduce maternal and child mortality.
Previously, Rachel was an independent consultant and health systems researcher, working with the World Health Organization, Global Fund, UNICEF, John Snow Inc., and other organizations.
She has a PhD in health systems from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and an MA in African studies from Stanford University.
Previously, Rachel was an independent consultant and health systems researcher, working with the World Health Organization, Global Fund, UNICEF, John Snow Inc., and other organizations.
She has a PhD in health systems from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and an MA in African studies from Stanford University.
Charlotte Pram Nielsen
Senior Health Specialist
Charlotte Pram Nielsen
Senior Health Specialist
Charlotte leads the GFF's portfolio on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality and provides support to country operations. She brings 15 years of experience in international development with a strong focus on gender equality in health outcomes.
Prior to joining the GFF, she worked in the region of West and Central Africa with UNICEF on girls’ education, and on gender equality with UNFPA in Niger scaling up initiatives such as École des Maris. She also led SRHR advocacy for the SDGs with the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
She holds a master’s degree in international development from Sorbonne University with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Copenhagen.
Prior to joining the GFF, she worked in the region of West and Central Africa with UNICEF on girls’ education, and on gender equality with UNFPA in Niger scaling up initiatives such as École des Maris. She also led SRHR advocacy for the SDGs with the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
She holds a master’s degree in international development from Sorbonne University with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Copenhagen.
Mariel Palomino
Partnership Specialist
Mariel Palomino
Partnership Specialist
Mariel manages donor relations, resource mobilization activities, and coordination across both current and emerging partnerships. She supports high-level engagement with public and private partners to advance the GFF’s mission.
Prior to this role, Mariel worked with the United Nations Development Programme on resource mobilization strategies with multilateral development banks and contributed to the Every Woman Every Child campaign to strengthen multistakeholder collaboration in global health. She has also monitored multilateral development projects, focusing on environmental and social safeguards and analyzing the impacts of COVID-19 on maternal, child, and adolescent health funding in Africa and Latin America. Earlier in her career, Mariel held roles in investment advisory, corporate social responsibility, and global affairs.
She holds an MPA in international policy from New York University.
Prior to this role, Mariel worked with the United Nations Development Programme on resource mobilization strategies with multilateral development banks and contributed to the Every Woman Every Child campaign to strengthen multistakeholder collaboration in global health. She has also monitored multilateral development projects, focusing on environmental and social safeguards and analyzing the impacts of COVID-19 on maternal, child, and adolescent health funding in Africa and Latin America. Earlier in her career, Mariel held roles in investment advisory, corporate social responsibility, and global affairs.
She holds an MPA in international policy from New York University.
Marwa Ramadan
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Marwa Ramadan
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Marwa co-leads the GFF Data Portal at the World Bank, advancing strategic data use, digital innovation, and performance monitoring across 30+ partner countries. She has more than a decade of experience in health systems strengthening, equity-focused monitoring, and digital health information systems, including in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Previously, she led analytic work for the primary health care performance initiative and contributed to cross-country assessments and dashboards to inform policy dialogue. She also worked with Doctors Without Borders as an epidemiologist and at the Johns Hopkins University on health system quality and adaptation of monitoring approaches in humanitarian contexts.
She holds a PhD in international health systems and dual master’s degrees in environmental health and occupational medicine. She specializes in leveraging routine data systems to inform equitable health investments.
Previously, she led analytic work for the primary health care performance initiative and contributed to cross-country assessments and dashboards to inform policy dialogue. She also worked with Doctors Without Borders as an epidemiologist and at the Johns Hopkins University on health system quality and adaptation of monitoring approaches in humanitarian contexts.
She holds a PhD in international health systems and dual master’s degrees in environmental health and occupational medicine. She specializes in leveraging routine data systems to inform equitable health investments.
Camila Roberts
Private Sector Development Specialist
Camila Roberts
Private Sector Development Specialist
Camila supports the private health sector engagement in health care service delivery and commodities supply chains. Her work focuses on the governance, institutions, and regulatory frameworks that enable mixed health systems in countries.
Prior to joining the GFF, Camila had been with the Global Indicators Group at the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency, where she managed regional and subnational regulatory assessments to strengthen the private sector enabling environment.
She holds an international law degree, a Master of Laws degree and an MPH in global health policy.
Prior to joining the GFF, Camila had been with the Global Indicators Group at the World Bank’s Development Economics Vice Presidency, where she managed regional and subnational regulatory assessments to strengthen the private sector enabling environment.
She holds an international law degree, a Master of Laws degree and an MPH in global health policy.
Jean De Dieu Rusatira
Senior Health Specialist
Jean De Dieu Rusatira
Senior Health Specialist
Jean leads GFF country engagement in the Central African Republic, Guinea, and Cameroon, advancing efforts to improve the health of women, adolescents, and children while strengthening alignment with national priorities.
Previously, he supported the design, monitoring, and implementation of RBF programs and broader health financing reforms through the Health Results Innovation Trust Fund (HRITF), helping address both supply- and demand-side barriers to maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services.
He has over 20 years of experience in public financial management, health financing, and health system strengthening. He began his career by supporting reforms in the public sector through financial and performance auditing, contributing to the transformation of PFM systems. Building on this foundation, he worked as a consultant for results-based financing (RBF) health programs across Africa and South Asia, focusing on project design, management, and monitoring and evaluation.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics (University of Rwanda) and a master’s degree in global health policy and management (Brandeis University).
Previously, he supported the design, monitoring, and implementation of RBF programs and broader health financing reforms through the Health Results Innovation Trust Fund (HRITF), helping address both supply- and demand-side barriers to maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services.
He has over 20 years of experience in public financial management, health financing, and health system strengthening. He began his career by supporting reforms in the public sector through financial and performance auditing, contributing to the transformation of PFM systems. Building on this foundation, he worked as a consultant for results-based financing (RBF) health programs across Africa and South Asia, focusing on project design, management, and monitoring and evaluation.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics (University of Rwanda) and a master’s degree in global health policy and management (Brandeis University).
Diwa Samad
Senior Program Coordinator
Diwa Samad
Senior Program Coordinator
Diwa Samad is a development economist and healthcare professional with extensive experience in the global health arena. Previously, she worked with GFF as a health economist, leading GFF's work on resource mapping and expenditure tracking (RMET). In that role, she collaborated with various teams to make RMET technical assistance more responsive, focusing on improving the use of data and evidence in country planning, budgeting processes, and strengthening country PFM systems.
Prior to joining the World Bank, Diwa worked as a senior health system specialist at the Global Fund, where she contributed to the Global Fund’s RSSH agenda. In this role, she provided specialized technical support in community health financing approaches, HRH, social contracting with CSOs, and the integration of disease programs within countries' health system structures, particularly in preparation for the Global Fund’s Cycle 7.
Diwa has also served as the deputy health minister and senior health sector reform advisor to the president of Afghanistan. In these roles, she focused on designing national health programs and worked closely with various partners to align resources for program implementation. She also led multisectoral efforts to address social determinants of health.
Diwa holds a master’s degree in economics with specialized training in health economics and health system governance. She is passionate about research and has published in various journals, including The Lancet, BMC Health Services Research, and BMC Palliative Care. She has delivered executive trainings, most recently as a visiting lecturer at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, focusing on social outcome financing approaches.
Prior to joining the World Bank, Diwa worked as a senior health system specialist at the Global Fund, where she contributed to the Global Fund’s RSSH agenda. In this role, she provided specialized technical support in community health financing approaches, HRH, social contracting with CSOs, and the integration of disease programs within countries' health system structures, particularly in preparation for the Global Fund’s Cycle 7.
Diwa has also served as the deputy health minister and senior health sector reform advisor to the president of Afghanistan. In these roles, she focused on designing national health programs and worked closely with various partners to align resources for program implementation. She also led multisectoral efforts to address social determinants of health.
Diwa holds a master’s degree in economics with specialized training in health economics and health system governance. She is passionate about research and has published in various journals, including The Lancet, BMC Health Services Research, and BMC Palliative Care. She has delivered executive trainings, most recently as a visiting lecturer at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, focusing on social outcome financing approaches.
Genesis May Samonte
Senior Health Specialist
Genesis May Samonte
Senior Health Specialist
Genesis Samonte supports the results monitoring agenda. Samonte has more than 14 years of experience in disease surveillance, health systems strengthening, establishing and managing health information systems, and crafting strategic information for national and local health program improvement and policy development.
Previously she was chief of the national HIV and STI surveillance and strategic information unit and a monitoring and evaluation specialist for maternal, child, and adolescent health at the Philippine Department of Health.
Previously she was chief of the national HIV and STI surveillance and strategic information unit and a monitoring and evaluation specialist for maternal, child, and adolescent health at the Philippine Department of Health.
Matthijs Schuring
Senior Operations Officer
Matthijs Schuring
Senior Operations Officer
Matthijs oversees the GFF Trust Fund and program management, including the preparation of financial reports and the annual work program and budget. He also supports GFF financial analyses and engages with key World Bank units. He is a trust fund program management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the World Bank.
Before joining the GFF, he worked in the Global Programs Unit of the Urban, Resilience and Land Global Practice, where he served as trust fund coordinator and program manager for the SURGE umbrella program. He also held roles in the Partnerships Unit of the Social, Urban, Rural and Resilience Global Practice and coordinated, then managed, the Water Partnership Program in the Water Global Practice. Before joining the World Bank, he worked with a nonprofit consultancy firm.
He holds an MSc degree in physical geography from the University of Amsterdam.
Before joining the GFF, he worked in the Global Programs Unit of the Urban, Resilience and Land Global Practice, where he served as trust fund coordinator and program manager for the SURGE umbrella program. He also held roles in the Partnerships Unit of the Social, Urban, Rural and Resilience Global Practice and coordinated, then managed, the Water Partnership Program in the Water Global Practice. Before joining the World Bank, he worked with a nonprofit consultancy firm.
He holds an MSc degree in physical geography from the University of Amsterdam.
Ashley Sheffel
Senior Data Scientist
Ashley Sheffel
Senior Data Scientist
Ashley co-leads the frequent assessments and system tools for resilience (FASTR) initiative, supporting over 20 countries to strengthen data use for decision-making. She also serves as results specialist for Tajikistan, guiding monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities.
Previously, she was an assistant scientist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, focusing on health systems monitoring, evaluation capacity, and measurement of quality of care, and a technical officer at WHO, supporting the development of global standards and measurement approaches for quality of care.
She holds a DrPH in international health from the Johns Hopkins University.
Previously, she was an assistant scientist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, focusing on health systems monitoring, evaluation capacity, and measurement of quality of care, and a technical officer at WHO, supporting the development of global standards and measurement approaches for quality of care.
She holds a DrPH in international health from the Johns Hopkins University.
Aissa Socorro-Santos
Senior External Affairs Assistant
Aissa Socorro-Santos
Senior External Affairs Assistant
Aissa supports the GFF’s external relations and communications work, leading the organization of global high-level events. She manages all aspects of event delivery, including logistics, stakeholder engagement, budget oversight, and vendor coordination. With expertise in event strategy, communications, and risk management, she plays a key role in advancing the GFF’s mission and amplifying partner country progress on the global stage.
In addition, Aissa strengthens the GFF’s digital presence through social media, newsletters, and website management, enhancing visibility and audience engagement. She also contributes to the development of communication products, ensuring quality and brand consistency across platforms.
She holds a master's degree in public relations & corporate communications from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in international studies from De La Salle University, Manila.
In addition, Aissa strengthens the GFF’s digital presence through social media, newsletters, and website management, enhancing visibility and audience engagement. She also contributes to the development of communication products, ensuring quality and brand consistency across platforms.
She holds a master's degree in public relations & corporate communications from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in international studies from De La Salle University, Manila.
Cicely Thomas
Health Financing Lead
Cicely Thomas
Health Financing Lead
Cicely Thomas provides technical support to countries in developing and implementing health financing strategies in support of universal health coverage (UHC) and leads GFF’s support for health resource mapping and expenditure tracking.
Before joining the GFF, Cicely worked with Results for Development where she led a portfolio of work focused on the integration of private sector in government stewarded mixed health systems; provided technical assistance to countries for health financing reform, including around strategic purchasing, benefit package design, and costing; and acted as a technical facilitator of the Joint Learning Network for UHC primary health care Initiative.
Before joining the GFF, Cicely worked with Results for Development where she led a portfolio of work focused on the integration of private sector in government stewarded mixed health systems; provided technical assistance to countries for health financing reform, including around strategic purchasing, benefit package design, and costing; and acted as a technical facilitator of the Joint Learning Network for UHC primary health care Initiative.
Jozefien Van Damme
Senior Health Specialist
Jozefien Van Damme
Senior Health Specialist
Jozefien works on country operations and donor and partner engagement. She brings expertise in gender equality, adolescent health, and legal and policy reforms to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, drawing on 20 years of experience in international development.
Before joining the GFF, she worked in the World Bank as a team leader of the regional Sub-Saharan African Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Project Plus (SWEDD+), as strategy and operations officer in the front offices of the vice president for Sub-Saharan Africa and the regional directors for human development in Africa, and as executive director advisor on the World Bank Group’s Board. Prior to joining the World Bank in 2012, she worked for the Belgian Development Cooperation on partnerships with multilateral organizations and with African countries. Prior to the World Bank, she worked with the Belgian Development Cooperation, supporting partnerships with multilateral organizations and African countries.
She holds degrees in law, international relations and peace and conflict studies from Universiteit Leuven and Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, Institut d’études politiques, Aix-en-Provence, France, and the University of Queensland, Australia.
Before joining the GFF, she worked in the World Bank as a team leader of the regional Sub-Saharan African Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Project Plus (SWEDD+), as strategy and operations officer in the front offices of the vice president for Sub-Saharan Africa and the regional directors for human development in Africa, and as executive director advisor on the World Bank Group’s Board. Prior to joining the World Bank in 2012, she worked for the Belgian Development Cooperation on partnerships with multilateral organizations and with African countries. Prior to the World Bank, she worked with the Belgian Development Cooperation, supporting partnerships with multilateral organizations and African countries.
She holds degrees in law, international relations and peace and conflict studies from Universiteit Leuven and Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, Institut d’études politiques, Aix-en-Provence, France, and the University of Queensland, Australia.
Fanen Verinumbe
Portfolio Monitoring Specialist
Fanen Verinumbe
Portfolio Monitoring Specialist
strengthening portfolio management, advancing operational tools — such as the country engagement summary workspace — and fostering cross-team collaboration to ensure strategic engagement in GFF-supported countries.
Before joining the GFF, she worked with the World Bank from 2019, supporting the design, implementation, and monitoring of World Bank/GFF co-financed health and multisectoral projects. She also served with the government of Nigeria for six years, contributing to efforts to revitalize primary health care through innovative approaches, including performance-based financing and direct facility financing.
A physician with a master’s degree in health economics and decision modeling, Fanen brings over a decade of experience in health systems strengthening and financing.
Before joining the GFF, she worked with the World Bank from 2019, supporting the design, implementation, and monitoring of World Bank/GFF co-financed health and multisectoral projects. She also served with the government of Nigeria for six years, contributing to efforts to revitalize primary health care through innovative approaches, including performance-based financing and direct facility financing.
A physician with a master’s degree in health economics and decision modeling, Fanen brings over a decade of experience in health systems strengthening and financing.
Marie Yenko
Senior Program Assistant
Marie Yenko
Senior Program Assistant
Marie is currently on a short-term assignment as an analyst with the Global Engagement Unit of the HNP Global Practice at the World Bank, supporting the front office on communications, human resources, trust funds and budget, portfolio management, strategic initiatives, partnerships, and donor engagement.
She brings several years of experience in external affairs, communications, donor relations, events management, and operations across the World Bank, government, and private sectors.
Marie holds a bachelor‘s degree in communications from the Ateneo de Manila University.
She brings several years of experience in external affairs, communications, donor relations, events management, and operations across the World Bank, government, and private sectors.
Marie holds a bachelor‘s degree in communications from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Shufang Zhang
Senior Economist, Health
Shufang Zhang
Senior Economist, Health
Shufang joins the health financing team with a focus on data analytics to support countries in making evidence-based investment decisions, maximizing lasting and equitable impact.
With more than 20 years’ experience in global health, Shufang was the technical lead of value for money at the Global Fund, where she led the development of value for money framework and workstream. She successfully provided technical advice to over 70 countries, with expertise in the areas of costing, cost-effectiveness analysis, efficiency assessment of health programs and systems, and payment for results program design, among others.
Shufang worked for United Nations, served on multiple expert panels and advisory committees on global health, and has managed and built strong partnerships with leading academic institutions, think tanks, as well as technical and funding partners in global health.
She holds a master’s degree in environmental economics from Duke University and a doctorate in health economics from Harvard University.
With more than 20 years’ experience in global health, Shufang was the technical lead of value for money at the Global Fund, where she led the development of value for money framework and workstream. She successfully provided technical advice to over 70 countries, with expertise in the areas of costing, cost-effectiveness analysis, efficiency assessment of health programs and systems, and payment for results program design, among others.
Shufang worked for United Nations, served on multiple expert panels and advisory committees on global health, and has managed and built strong partnerships with leading academic institutions, think tanks, as well as technical and funding partners in global health.
She holds a master’s degree in environmental economics from Duke University and a doctorate in health economics from Harvard University.
