Daphne Nakawesi, MPH, joined the NCDI Poverty Network as PEN-Plus coordinator in November 2024. She holds a master of public health with a concentration in global health monitoring and evaluation from the Boston University School of Public Health and a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

With extensive experience in global health, Nakawesi is passionate about health-system strengthening and advocacy across Africa. She has contributed to research and implementation projects, including while serving as a research assistant with Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, where she focused on neuropsychology and epilepsy medication adherence. Additionally, she worked on a study examining the utilization of postnatal care among pregnant women in Rwanda.

Nakawesi has supported diverse initiatives, including an annual medical camp providing free healthcare services to a rural Ugandan village, and she has implemented a women’s economic empowerment program to promote sustainable livelihoods. Nakawesi also serves part-time as a capacity-building fellow with Doctors for Global Health, where she continues to leverage her expertise and passion to drive sustainable healthcare solutions.