Ghanaian Paediatrician Honoured for Improving Healthcare in Africa
By Gift Briton
Dr. Juliette Tuakli, Founder and Medical Director of CHILD Accra, is the winner of the Africa Healthcare Awards and Summit (AHAS)’s lifetime achievement award. She received the award for her tireless efforts and passion for improving the lives of children and families throughout Africa.
The award was presented during an awards gala ceremony towards the tail end of the 4th AHAS, hosted by Zenith Global Health in Accra Ghana between April 22-24. Under the theme: Advances in Population Health – Tackling Inequalities and Access: A One Health Approach, AHAS 2024 brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders from across Africa to discuss pressing issues in healthcare and foster collaboration for sustainable solutions.
Dr. Tuakli is a distinguished Paediatrician and reproductive health specialist, and an international charity Mercy Ships’ Diplomatic Ambassador for Africa. She was the first African woman clinical professor in Paediatrics at Harvard Medical/Children’s of Boston. In her Mercy Ships role, she supports the charity’s strategic partnerships with governments, diplomatic entities, communities, and social organisations that build awareness and engagement.
“It gives us great pleasure to celebrate Dr. Tuakli by presenting with a lifetime achievement award at the ceremony. She has an exemplary professional life that spans public, private, and intergovernmental agencies globally,” said Mary Akangbe, President and Founder of Zenith Global Health.
As the first female Rotary president of the premier Anglophone club in Ghana, Dr. Tuakli promoted legislation to protect those with disabilities, orphans, and vulnerable children. Her work was hailed by the African Union in 2016 and she was elected to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative.
In 2022, Dr. Tuakli retired from United Way Worldwide, where she was Chair of both the Membership and the Governance Committees before becoming the first female Chair of the International Board of Trustees.
“The Africa Healthcare Awards showcase the dedication and commitment of individuals and institutions working tirelessly to improve healthcare outcomes and promote wellness in our communities,” noted Dr. Imane Kendili, President of Africa Global Health, Morocco.
Dr. Tuakli co-founded MOREMI Girls Leadership and has served as an Advisor to Nestle, the African Union, and other international organisations. She is a Board member of Zenith Bank and the Global Virus Network. She is a respected social philanthropist and has served on the Mercy Ships International and the Mercy Ships UK Boards.