Dr. Lwazi Manzi
Head of Secretariat, AU COVID-19 Commission
Dr. Manzi is a medical doctor whose 18-year career spans across emergency medicine; film and television; and health diplomacy. She currently serves as the the Head of Secretariat of the Global Leaders Network for Women, Children and Adolescent Health and the Head of Secretariat of the AU Championship on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response- in these roles supporting H.E. President MC Ramaphosa of South Africa in his global and regional health leadership roles. She is the lead of Pillar 10 of the Second Presidential Health Compact in South Africa, which deals with the national agenda for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response. She previously held the role of the Spokesperson of the Minister of Health between 2019 and 2021, where she oversaw communication for the introduction of NHI to Parliament and during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is also an award winning film and television executive producer and served in the frontlines of emergency medicine for 12 years.
All Sessions by Dr. Lwazi Manzi
Leading the Change: Shaping the Future of Public Health Policy Through Equitable & Diverse Leadership
Led by: WomenLift Health.
This session will focus on the pivotal role of women in crafting and implementing public health policies, as well as their vital contributions to strengthening health systems worldwide. Speakers will share compelling examples that, taken together, will showcase the tangible impact of women at the helm of public sector departments and provide insights into how equitable policies are conceptualized and brought to life. Speakers will also move beyond specific policy discussions and share a vision for empowering more women to assume leadership roles in the public health sector. Join us to explore how women leaders are actively shaping the trajectory of our collective health and well-being.
Session Chair: Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director for Africa, World Health Organization
Moderator: Dr. Lwazi Manzi, Head of Secretariat, African Union COVID-19 Commission
Speakers:
1. Dr Tomi Coker, Commissioner for Health at Ogun State, Nigeria
2. Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Tanzania