Despite women representing the majority of frontline workers in neglected tropical disease programmes, fewer than 30% occupy senior leadership positions—a critical gap the WHO’s Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme seeks to address. The third cohort selection of seven African women across seven countries underscores the persistent gender inequity in global health leadership.
This disparity reflects documented barriers women face in advancing to decision-making roles within international health institutions. By intentionally recruiting mid-career professionals from diverse backgrounds—including academic researchers, field scientists, and programme managers—the WHO’s initiative directly targets the structural and systemic obstacles that limit women’s progression. The two-year mentorship model combines professional development with continental networking, positioning participants to influence NTD elimination strategies and institutional policies at regional and global levels.
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