MMMbali Maphumulo
@mbalimaphumulo
Senior public health, policy and communications leader driving global access and advocacy for lifesaving medicines.
South AfricaWhat I'm looking for
I am a senior public health, policy, and communications leader with 20+ years shaping healthcare policy and advancing advocacy across Africa, Asia and Latin America. I combine policy strategy, government engagement, and external affairs to influence national and international health outcomes.
My work has supported TB vaccine funding ($220M), influenced patent law reform, and enabled access to HIV, TB and mental health medicines. I led advocacy for the first TB vaccine efficacy results in 50 years and contributed to improved access for tens of thousands of patients.
I have held senior roles in pharmaceutical access, non-profit advocacy, and consultancy — driving donor relations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications that improved market presence and program reach. I deliver results through cross-functional leadership and evidence-based policy development.
I seek roles where I can apply strategic policy, external affairs, and program leadership to expand access to essential health interventions and shape impactful, sustainable health programs.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Chief Operations Officer
Jonoka Agri-dev Systems
Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 1 month)
Led operations and partnerships across Southern Africa, securing M31.5 million in funding and delivering a leased greenhouse and packhouse facility that improved productivity and regional agribusiness growth.
Global Public Health Consultant
Zimbali Global Health Partnership
Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 1 month)
Advised foundations and UN partners on mental health, gender-based violence and child/youth services, informing program strategy and policy across South Africa and contributing to UNICEF and UN Women initiatives.
Independent Consultant
Independent
Jan 2013 - Dec 2023 (10 years 11 months)
Provided strategic advisory and evidence-based policy support to health sector clients globally, co-designing award-winning social mobilisation campaigns and delivering tailored consultancy projects from 2013–2023.
JJRegional Execution Lead
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
Jan 2017 - Dec 2018 (1 year 11 months)
Led access initiatives across Sub‑Saharan Africa delivering MDR‑TB treatment to 38,994 patients and expanding HIV treatment to 51,503 individuals, contributing to an 18% increase in regional revenue and policy uptake of all‑oral MDR‑TB regimens.
External Affairs Manager
Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation
Jan 2011 - Dec 2013 (2 years 11 months)
Coordinated the Global TB Vaccine Strategy and led multi-country external affairs, driving advocacy and scientific communications for TB vaccine development and winning the Aeras Cup for communications.
Project Manager
Treatment Action Campaign
Jan 2010 - Dec 2011 (1 year 11 months)
Led policy and communications, coordinated the Fix the Patent Laws campaign with 50+ partners influencing patent law reforms, and contributed to the National Strategic Plan for HIV, STIs and TB.
Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
Zoe-Life
Jan 2009 - Dec 2010 (1 year 11 months)
Delivered MER training, strengthened donor reporting, and provided data-driven insights to improve program performance and accountability.
HCClinical Research Assistant
Human Sciences Research Council
Jan 2008 - Dec 2009 (1 year 11 months)
Oversaw four clinical trial sites in KwaZulu‑Natal, surpassing recruitment and retention targets and supporting trial operations and data quality.
Research Assistant
Reproductive Health Research Unit
Jan 2007 - Dec 2008 (1 year 11 months)
Supported large-scale HIV research across East and Southern Africa involving over 9,000 participants, contributing to study implementation and data collection.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
JHJHPIEGO
Course, Monitoring and Evaluation
Completed Advanced Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programmes course.
University of Natal, Durban
Bachelor of Social Sciences, Social Sciences
Activities and societies: International Golden Key Honor Society
Bachelor of Social Sciences degree from the University of Natal, Durban; member of the International Golden Key Honor Society.
UniSchool
Diploma in Project Management, Project Management
Activities and societies: Top student
Diploma in Project Management; graduated as top student.
UKUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal
Undergraduate Certificate, Humanities
Undergraduate Certificate in Humanities from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Maris Stella School
Senior Certificate (Matriculation), General Secondary Education
Senior Certificate (Matriculation) awarded by Maris Stella School through the IEB.
Veda Training Solutions
Course, Project Management
Completed course on Advanced Project Management Tools and Techniques.
The Foundation for Professional Development and Yale
Course, Healthcare Management
Completed an Advanced Healthcare Management course offered by The Foundation for Professional Development in partnership with Yale.
UUUniversity of South Africa (UNISA)
Course, Policy Analysis and Development
Completed an Advanced Programme in Policy Analysis, Development and Implementation.
Pan American Health Organization and the University of Incarnate Word
Course, Public Health Leadership
Completed Public Health Leadership training offered by PAHO and the University of the Incarnate Word.
GTGetSmarter and the University of Cape Town
Course, Public Relations
Completed a Public Relations course delivered by GetSmarter in partnership with the University of Cape Town.
Availability
Location
South AfricaAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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