NAFISA JIDDAWI
MS, FNP-C, WHNP-BC, CNM
FOUNDER & CEO
Nafisa Jiddawi is the founder and CEO of WAJAMAMA. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010. After working as a Registered Nurse for two years, Nafisa pursued her Master of Science at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where she trained as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife. After graduating with honors in 2014, Nafisa worked as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Baltimore, M.D. and Washington, D.C. She then expanded her scope of practice and trained as a Family Nurse Practitioner at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She is currently certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), National Certification Corporation (NCC), and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner (AANP).
As a healthcare professional, Nafisa has had the opportunity to manage a wide variety of patients in both high-and low-resource settings in the United States and Zanzibar and has held a leadership position in the National Rehabilitation Network in Washington, D.C. In May of 2021, she was honored with an “Outstanding Alumni Award'' by Georgetown University. Nafisa is currently WAJAMAMA’s main clinician, who also designs and delivers health workshops, and oversees WAJAMAMA’s general operations and projects. She is also responsible for brand development and management, networking with key stakeholders, and strategic planning.
MWANAKHEIR MAHMOUD
MD, MPH
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Dr. Mwanakheir graduated as a Medical Doctor from the University of Dar Es Salaam in 1983. After working in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mnazi Mmoja hospital in Zanzibar for two years, she pursued a Master in Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Maternal and Child Health at San Diego State University in the United States. Upon completion of her MPH, she moved back to Zanzibar to continue working at Mnazi Mmoja as the Head of Maternal and Child Health for two years. She then worked in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Hindu Mandal Hospital in Dar es Salaam. In 1991, she started working as the Primary Care Doctor at the SOS Children’s Village in Zanzibar while simultaneously working in the pediatrics ward at Mnazi Mmoja hospital.
In addition to these positions, she also worked part-time as a primary care provider at the Zanzibar Medical Group (ZMG) in Stone Town from 1995 until 2007. In 2007 she was appointed as the manager of the Blood Transfusion Service of Zanzibar. Under her leadership, the Blood Bank thrived and not only achieved international recognition and accreditation from the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion Service but also transitioned from being internationally supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to being domestically sustained. As the Director of Zanzibar’s Blood Transfusion Services, she oversaw an exchange program established between Zanzibar and Nepal for learning and sharing of evidence-based practices to help maintain the international standards at the Blood Bank.
In collaboration with Haukeland Hospital in Norway, Dr. Mwanakheir also helped establish an emergency transfusion protocol for women during labor, birth, and the postpartum period, which has played a key role in the reduction of maternal mortality in Zanzibar. At WAJAMAMA, Dr. Mwanakheir is not only a clinician, but she is also responsible for managing WAJAMAMA’s daily operations, staff, and finances, delivering health and wellness workshops, budgeting, and is the chairman of the WAJAMAMA Foundation.
MOHAMMED JIDDAWI
MD, MMED
MEDICAL ADVISOR
Upon graduating from medical school in Romania in 1979, Dr. Jiddawi returned to Tanzania, to work at Muhumbili Hospital in Dar Es Salaam initially and then Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar. In 1989, he earned his Master of Medicine in General Surgery from the University of Dar Es Salaam and moved to Brighton, England, to train in Endoscopic Urology. After completing this program, he returned to Zanzibar in 1992 to work as the Head of the Department of Surgery at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital; a position he held until 2006, when he was nominated by the President of Zanzibar at the time to become the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health. During this time, Dr. Jiddawi also founded Zanzibar Medical Group, a Primary Care Clinic in Stone Town.
Dr. Jiddawi served the Ministry of Health as the Principal Secretary for 10 years and under his leadership, the ministry initiated the Malaria Control program funded by the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), which has had tremendous success in controlling malaria in Zanzibar. After retiring from the Principal Secretary position, Dr. Jiddawi was nominated again by the President of Zanzibar to serve as an Advisor to the Ministry of Health. In addition to practicing at his small private practice and being a Medical Advisor to WAJAMAMA, Dr. Jiddawi is also the Chair of the Board of Zanzibar’s Health Research Institute.
ANISA AWADH
DCR, DMU, ARDMS
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHER
Anisa is qualified as a Diagnostic Radiographer, Medical Sonographer, and specialized in prenatal ultrasound and gynecological scanning. She received her accreditations from Kingston Hospital and Royal Free Hospital, schools of Radiography in London, UK. Having worked in the Fetal Medicine Unit of St George’s hospital in London, Anisa received specialized clinical training in all aspects of prenatal ultrasound in fetal assessment.
Anisa has been involved in extensive research programs and lectures and was responsible for training sonographers, midwives and doctors in obstetric scanning within the fetal medicine unit in the UK. Having worked closely with gynaecologists, she is able to provide a detailed gynaecological scanning service. Anisa provides specialized sonography services every other Saturday at our clinic.
YUSRA AMEIR HAJI
REGISTERED NURSE-MIDWIFE & PROJECT ASSISTANT
In 2021 we welcomed Yusra the WAJAMAMA family. She is a registered nurse and midwife who completed her Health & Medical Science studies at The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) in 2020. After placements at Mnazi Moja Hospital and with UNFPA for a reproductive health program in Pwani Mchangani, Yusra was excited to join WAJAMAMA as a nurse and health workshop facilitator.
She is passionate about providing the best care to patients of WAJAMAMA, and being part of raising the standards of nursing practices in Zanzibar. Her contagious smile and energy fills the room, and we are very happy to have her on the team.
JACQUILINE KIMARIO
MEDICAL DOCTOR & DOCTOR IN-CHARGE
Dr. Jacquiline is a highly skilled Medical Doctor with expertise in various fields including surgeries, primary care, OBGYN, pediatrics, and urgent care. With a commitment to evidence-based practice, she strives to improve healthcare accessibility and quality. As an alumna of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, she has gained valuable experience while serving at esteemed institutions such as Sengerema and Kamanga Medics Hospitals where she successfully managed diverse medical cases. Whether you prefer in-person visits at our wellness center or virtual and home visits from the comfort of your own home, Dr. Jacquiline is available to provide exceptional medical care.
RADHIA BAKARI
MEDICAL DOCTOR & PROJECT COORDINATOR
Dr. Radhia is a dedicated Medical Doctor who specializes in women's and public health care. She has extensive experience in OBGYN and community health centers, and is committed to enhancing well-being and ensuring accessible reproductive health care. Her passion for pediatrics motivates her to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to every child she treats. Dr. Radhia received her training at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, and has previously served at St. Walburg's Hospital Nyangao as well as conducted outreach clinics in remote areas of Tanzania. Whether it be through in-person consultations, virtual appointments, or home visits, Dr. Radhia is readily available to serve her patients' needs effectively.
AGNES KARINE ABDALLAH
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Agnes was born and raised in Zanzibar. After completing her O level education, she enrolled at the Kilimanjaro Institute of Technology and Management to pursue a secretarial course. Once she graduated, Agnes gained experience working in the hospitality industry before joining the WAJAMAMA team. She has been a dedicated member of WAJAMAMA since its establishment and is thrilled to witness the ongoing positive influence that the organization has on communities.
EDNAH JOSEPHAT
REGISTERED NURSE MIDWIFE
While growing up in rural Tanzania, it was clear to Ednah that ensuring community health and wellbeing is the answer to breaking the cycle of poverty and disease. That is why she pursued her diploma in nursing. She has always been passionate about giving back to communities in need and that is why she is excited to be a part of the team at WAJAMAMA.