Our People
Meet the team members working to implement our vision - and the trustees who meet regularly to oversee the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic direction.
Our Team
Camilla Knox-Peebles
Chief Executive
"Amref does amazing work in places where health systems are strained or under-resourced: strengthening services, but also increasing demand for and access to those services. What really speaks to me is the way Amref works in partnership with communities to find innovative, sustainable solutions to preventing and treating disease and ill health. The organisation knows that it’s at community level that real and lasting change happens - and that’s a conviction I share. I am also very proud to lead a truly African organisation."
Matt Wenham
Director of Fundraising
"Amref, as an Africa-led, people-centred INGO has an incredible track record in bringing health education and services to underserved communities across the continent. I feel privileged to join such an impactful organisation and excited to bring my experience and expertise in support of our ambitious goal to achieve universal health coverage by 2030."
Diana Mukami
Head of Programmes and Strategic Partnerships (Nairobi-based)
"While the concept of human-centered design has gained traction in the more recent past, Amref has always embraced it in its over six decades of existence by working with communities to understand needs and co-create solutions. For me, this drive to leave no one behind is what continues to keep me energised and at Amref."
Diana is participating in Amref's Global Mobility Programme, serving as Head of UK Programmes and Strategic Partnerships from Nairobi. Diana was previously Digital Learning Director and Head of Programmes at Amref Health Africa’s Institute of Capacity Development.
Helen Blake
Head of Finance
"I feel very privileged to work for Amref Health Africa, an organisation that is community-led, empowering those communities to strengthen health systems and achieve sustainable change. I have a not-for-profit Finance background and I am proud to bring my experience and expertise to support this incredible African-led organisation."
Eric Siu
Senior Finance Officer
"I feel hugely privileged to be working for Amref Health Africa, a charity which promotes such positive change. With projects in multiple countries across the continent, I became inspired in bringing my knowledge and experience from having worked in Finance roles previously and from the volunteering roles I participated in, the opportunity to work as Finance Officer for Amref Health Africa became the ideal opportunity to combine the two and contribute to the difference being made."
Kate Burley
HR and Operations Manager
"I feel very fortunate to work with such inspirational and knowledgeable colleagues, in an organisation that has a proven track-record in putting local communities at the centre of their decision-making. As Amref Health Africa continues in its ambition to create lasting health change in Africa, I look forward to drawing on my experience from the corporate and voluntary sectors to support HR practice and talent development across our UK and global teams".
Danielle Waller
Senior Programme Lead
"Having worked in the sector for over 15 years, I have been privileged to support and travel to many programmes in Africa and Asia and have witnessed that effective development programming works at its best when it is driven from the community level up, while being supported in partnership with civil society, government and the private sector. Amref is a unique and special place to work, as both its historic roots and ambition looking ahead - remain true to this very model. It is a privilege to lead on our FCDO funded consortia work, bringing about an end to FGM/C."
Dr Aneesa Ahmed
Programmes & Partnerships Manager
"I was attracted to Amref Health Africa because of the amazing work the organisation is doing in improving people's health and having a lasting impact. I feel incredibly privileged to work for such a unique charity - one that is truly Africa-led and works alongside communities and governments to strengthen healthcare systems in a sustainable way. My role allows me to combine my healthcare and research background in the best possible way to contribute towards meaningful change. Not to mention all the wonderful people I work with, both in the UK and international offices!"
Isobel Spaven-Donn
Communications Manager
“Amref’s belief in the power of communities to catalyse change is transforming the way in which people access their basic right to health. This is the most powerful story of change that you can tell. I’m passionate about working with the diverse voices that own these stories, to use communications to showcase the transformative power of good health to ensure more sustainable impact of the amazing work being done by and with communities.”
Emmanuel Sengoga
Programmes Finance Specialist
"Working in the charity sector has given me an incredibly diverse opportunity to learn, contribute and be part of changing people's lives for the better. I like what Amref Health Africa is doing, especially with providing medical care to women and girls in East Africa. In my role I work alongside an inspiring and gifted team who are motivated by humanitarian values."
Arran Sewell
Senior Partnership Officer
“Amref Health Africa is a truly unique organisation – as an Africa-led charity they are embedded in local communities and are able to improve the lives of so many people. I feel incredibly passionate about Amref’s mission to provide health services, increase access to a variety of positive opportunities and transform healthcare on a systemic level. I am very grateful that my role allows me to play a part in contributing to meaningful change, led by talented teams working on the ground. “
James Murray
Programmes Officer
"Freeing our continent from poverty, inequality, and unemployment are the principal challenges that my generation of Africans face. As a South African, I am proud to be part of Amref UK who believes that good health opens opportunities to free individuals and communities from poverty. I am also delighted to be part of a team that puts this belief into action with projects across Africa, which are led by teams on the ground and provide health services and thus the possibility to access education, economic empowerment, and political participation."
Alice Mabey
Executive Assistant
"I grew up in the MRC compound in West Africa due to my dad’s work in International Health and Development. As a result of this, I have always had an interest in international development, particularly with regard to the issues faced by Women in Africa; one of the core focuses of Amref UK’s work."
Eilidh Naismith
Philanthropy Officer
"I believe in the transformative power of community-led change, and I feel very proud to be part of a truly African-led organisation that empowers communities to find sustainable solutions to improve health systems. Amref’s unique community-based approach motivates me, as it puts women and girls at the heart of all our efforts to secure the right to health within Africa's most vulnerable and remote communities. I have always been driven by helping to improve people’s lives through community and volunteering experiences. I am very excited to contribute to Amref’s amazing work in creating positive and lasting health change."
Fiona McFarland
Philanthropy Assistant
"I was born in the literary haven of Stratford-Upon-Avon and moved to Zimbabwe with my family when I was six months old, later growing up in South Africa. I, with my three older siblings, was raised by a single mother whose passion for nursing and love for Africa kept the family travelling in search of a better life. Those journeys and experiences have given birth to colourful and many times adventurous stories, but above all to an understanding and appreciation for Africa. For the last 15 years, I have worked as a PA for an African entrepreneur. I moved to London five years ago and love what Amref is doing in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly for women and young girls."
Isabelle Emile
Fundraising Assistant
"Working for Amref Health Africa is a real pleasure. It is an organisation that does international development the right way. Its community-led and people-centred approach to strengthening health systems amplifies African voices and perspectives. Amref challenges the traditional narrative of communities as simply beneficiaries and instead, sees the power in supporting and empowering communities as integral, to creating lasting and sustainable healthcare solutions in Africa. I am delighted to work alongside colleagues who are motivated and passionate about removing barriers that prevent people from accessing healthcare. I work closely with our lovely supporters who put their trust in Amref to continue working with communities to secure their right to health and break the cycle of poverty".
Our Trustees
Paul Davey
Chair of Trustees
Since graduating from Leeds University Paul Davey has worked for more than 30 years in marketing and communications roles on global leader brands and challenger brands.
He worked for Diageo for 17 years in worldwide marketing roles and built a sales and marketing operation in Russia which he ran as General Manager based in Moscow.
Since 2003 Paul has been a partner at MMS (Modern Marketing Solutions), working for a range of clients on marketing strategy and business planning through to brand development work and communications campaigns.
Paul became a Trustee of Amref Health Africa UK in 2005 and remained on the Board for 10 years. Since 2016, Paul has been a member of the International Fundraising and Communications committee in Nairobi. He rejoined the UK Board in 2019.
Amanda Caine
Treasurer
Dr Amanda Caine is a graduate of Cambridge University and has an MSc and a PhD from the University of Reading in International Development. She is an expert in gender equality and the use of ICTs in the Global South. During her own research in Uganda, she witnessed the impact of the work that Amref is undertaking through its eLearning project with midwives and she is passionate about ensuring that women have access to high quality sexual and reproductive health services.
She is a Chartered Accountant and has 25 years experience working in senior management roles for INGOs, in the capacity of financial management, governance and strategic planning. For example, she was Finance Director at Farm Africa and a member of the senior management team at Oxfam GB. In her role as a trustee she has helped establish several new INGOs, including GALVmed (the Global Alliance for Veterinary Medicine).
Beverley Jewell
Trustee
Since graduating from Oxford University, Beverley has worked for more than 30 years in marketing, operations and sales roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
The majority of her career has been at GSK where she is currently Head of Global Vaccines Commercial Operations. Her experience spans developing unique positioning and strategies for pharmaceuticals at launch and late lifecycle to building capabilities in the changing commercial environment. Beverley loves to travel ,especially where there are exciting physical challenges. Beverley first connected with Amref Heath Africa on a 6-month assignment for Amref based in Nairobi in 2014/15 supporting the medical outreach programme. Since then she has volunteered on a regular basis in the London office and is delighted to now deepen her relationship by joining the UK Board.
Beverley was appointed with the help of Nurole, a specialist board-level recruitment service. For more information, please visit www.nurole.com.
Bridie Layden
Trustee
Bridie Layden is Director of Investor Relations at the END Fund, where she works with activist philanthropists in Europe who are committed to harnessing the power of collaborative philanthropy to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases. She has worked with high net worth clientele in the private and non profit sectors for over a decade, supporting philanthropists on a wide range of giving across health, humanitarian, development, education, and the arts.
Bridie holds a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Leeds, and a Masters in International Development from Birkbeck University. Bridie joined the Board of Amref UK in 2020, and is excited to join an African-led organisation with a clear focus and deep-rooted knowledge of the health issues facing communities. She believes in the potential for philanthropy to be strategic and impactful but also joyful, and looks to build deep, meaningful connections between philanthropists and the people and places they support.
Bridie was appointed with the help of Nurole, a specialist board-level recruitment service. For more information, please visit www.nurole.com.
Jennifer Chimanga
Trustee
Jennifer Chimanga is a Partner at international law firm Clifford Chance and co-heads the firm’s East Africa practice. She has wide experience of advising on M&A and related commercial transactions in the Telecoms, Media and Technology sectors, and has a focus on emerging markets (particularly, Africa). Jennifer is a member of Clifford Chance London’s gender diversity committee Accelerate>>>, and sits on the firm’s London Pay Gap Working Group. Jennifer is also the firm’s pro bono co-ordinator for Africa and supports a range of the firm’s pro bono clients including Invictus Games Foundations, African Prisons Project and International Lawyers for Africa.
Outside of work, along with being a Trustee of Amref UK, Jennifer co-head of the International Cluster of the Africa CEO Forum's Women in Business Network.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi and is qualified to practice law in Kenya and in England & Wales. She was born and educated in Kenya.
Jennifer is passionate about equality, education and empowerment.
Dr Sally Nicholas
Trustee
Sally currently leads the Health Systems & Environment workstream at the Wellcome Trust, which seeks to reduce barriers to the development and implementation of affordable, accessible interventions globally. As part of a wider team she manages and promotes the activities of the Infectious Disease Challenge Area.
She previously led a strategic initiative to reduce the burden of enteric and diarrhoeal disease in LMICs by accelerating vaccine and monoclonal antibody development in addition to leading the £10M Innovator Award fund. Prior to this, she worked at the Science & Technology Facilities Council as an Innovation Manager, identifying commercial opportunities arising from research activities and exploiting these through a variety of routes. She has additionally worked in business development in the science start-up sector for a number of years and has also spent time in marketing in the medical devices industry.
Sally holds degrees in the life sciences from the University of Toronto and Columbia University and an MBA from Yale University.
Sally truly believes that access to high quality healthcare should be universal and was drawn to Amref Health Africa UK, by the breadth and depth of the programs Amref leads and the real difference they make in improving the health of those most in need.
Simon Hammett
Trustee
Simon spent most of his career in professional services with Deloitte LLP. He led the Firm’s Healthcare and Life Sciences Industry practice through a period of significant growth across Europe, Middle East and Africa. He was appointed the CEO of the Firm’s Strategy practice in the region, and operated at Board level with some of Deloitte’s most prestigious international clients. Simon “retired” from Deloitte in 2016. He studied Business Psychology at UCL and now operates as an executive coach, academic and charity Trustee. He has travelled and worked in Africa and has witnessed the huge health challenges faced by the people in that region.
Simon is excited to be part of Amref Health Africa UK because of the vital role we play and the direct impact we have on people’s health and quality of life in the region – an impact that really matters.
Dr Tinashe Chandauka
Trustee
Tinashe is an Associate at Oxford Sciences Innovation, a private investment company that invests in breakthrough technologies developed by Oxford University. He is also a Director of Circadian Therapeutics, an early stage biotechnology company. Tinashe has an MD/PhD background that combines a decade of clinical expertise as a frontline healthcare-worker with doctoral training in public health. He completed his doctoral training at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He is a past recipient of the Oxford University Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences "Best Early Stage Researcher Award" (2019). Tinashe’s PhD thesis examined the link between excess maternal surgical deaths and variations in safety culture in South African hospitals.
Tinashe was drawn to Amref Health Africa UK because he believes it is a powerful vehicle for improving maternal health on the continent: "Amref gives me joy and purpose, I want to bring the same energy to this wonderful team."
Our President and Patron
The Duke of Richmond
President
Amref Health Africa enjoys a long-standing association with the Duke of Richmond & Gordon and the Goodwood Estate. The 10th Duke and Duchess of Richmond first became involved with Amref through their connection with Michael Wood (Amref's founder), his wife Sue, and their farm at Kilimanjaro. The Duke was a supporter of Amref from the early days, when we were known as the Flying Doctors of East Africa. In 1995, he was invited to become President of Amref Health Africa UK, a post he held for the rest of his life, and passed to his son, the 11th Duke of Richmond, on his death in 2017. Amref is honoured that the Duke and his family have chosen to continue his father's generous support for the organisation.
"My family are very happy to continue this long and close association in supporting Amref in the vital work they do in Africa," says the Duke.
HRH The former Prince Of Wales
Former Patron
Amref Health Africa was fortunate to have as our Patron HRH The Prince of Wales. A strong advocate for the charity sector, His Royal Highness first encountered Amref during a trip to Kenya in 1971, becoming a Patron in January 1979.
"In the more than fifty years that have elapsed since I first encountered Amref Health Africa, the organisation has evolved to become Africa's leading health NGO – never losing sight of its commitment to community-driven, locally-led change. By partnering with communities to find lasting solutions to the challenges they face, Amref has changed tens of millions of lives. What makes Amref Health Africa unique is its belief in people as a catalyst for change: a belief I share."
- HRH The Prince of Wales, speaking at Amref's International Women's Day event at Clarence House in 2019.
Image (c) Alexi Lubomirski
Banner image: Girls preparing for an ARP ceremony in Tanzania, (c) Adrian Mgaya.