Dr Oliver Lulembo, Executive Leadership Team Member
With over 30 years of experience in public health, particularly in malaria control and elimination across Southern, Central, and Eastern Africa, my journey has been shaped by professional and personal engagements with the devastating effects of malaria. These experiences have ignited my passion for impactful interventions and innovative strategies to combat malaria, which remains a significant public health problem worldwide, especially in Africa
My engagement with malaria is multifaceted. On a personal level, I have witnessed its harrowing effects within my own family. The battles fought by my firstborn and youngest son against severe malaria attacks were moments that underscored the importance of prevention, timely medical intervention and access to healthcare. These experiences deepened my understanding of the disease’s unpredictable nature and reinforced my commitment to ensuring that no family has to endure such trials without adequate prevention and treatment.
Professionally, my early career as a paediatrician allowed me to treat individuals grappling with malaria. It was gratifying yet humbling to save lives and alleviate severe complications. However, transitioning into the public health sphere enabled me to amplify my impact—shifting from individual treatment to designing and implementing large-scale malaria prevention, control, and elimination programs. This evolution in my work has been deeply fulfilling, as it represents the power of collective action in saving countless lives and preventing millions of cases.
Throughout my career, I have collaborated with esteemed organisations such as PMI, PATH, PSI, MACEPA, and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. My work has spanned critical areas, including strengthening national programs, advancing elimination strategies, planning bed net campaigns, and providing technical guidance for Global Fund proposals. These experiences have refined my strategic leadership and technical expertise, equipping me to navigate the complexities of malaria control and sustainable funding mechanisms effectively.
The Bridge The Gap Incubator (BTG) represents a significant opportunity to build on these efforts. Its purpose and objectives align closely with my dedication to combating malaria, offering a platform to explore innovative funding models and assist national programs in adapting to emerging challenges. The BTG commitment to addressing systemic gaps resonates deeply with my belief that holistic approaches are essential to achieving lasting health outcomes.
I am motivated by the prospect of contributing to the BTG’s purpose and objectives. Together, we can leverage expertise, foster collaboration, and drive transformative change in the fight against malaria. It is my hope that our collective efforts will continue to inspire and empower communities, ensuring healthier futures for generations to come.It is this shared conviction—combined with the urgency of the challenge and the unwavering dedication of my team and our partners—that fuels my optimism. Together, I am confident we can drive measurable progress and lay a strong foundation for a malaria-free future in Africa”
