This consists of office holders who are elected at the General Assembly and the Administrator of the Permanent Headquarters.
The body is charged with carrying out specific duties assigned at the General Assembly.
PRESIDENT – Banturaki Davis
MSA: Makerere University Medical Students Association
Year of study: 4th Year
Email address: president@famsanet.org
Banturaki Davis is a 4th year medical student at Makerere University, Uganda. With an unwavering passion for global surgery, research and patient-centred care. He has a strong interest in increasing access to quality healthcare and tackling surgical disparities. Banturaki is a dedicated leader at various student-led organisations and through his work, he is committed to leaving a lasting impact on the field of global health by working alongside others to build a better, more equitable health system for those in need.In his spare time, he enjoys reading and playing recreational sports such as football and karate. Believes that these activities are important for his overall personal and educational development, as they help him to stay physically active and to relax and clear his mind outside of the stresses of medical school.
VICE PRESIDENT – Babatunde Abdulhammed Opeyemi
MSA: University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association
Year of study: 5th Year
Email address: vp@famsanet.org
Abdulhammed Babatunde is a social innovator with a passion for improving the health and well-being of African communities with research-driven innovations and outreaches.
He is a One Young World Ambassador, an Alumnus of the Young Africans Leadership Initiative (YALI) West Africa, and a Clintons Global Initiative University (CGI U) alumnus.
He is a co-founder of MyBelle, digital technology for pregnant women, and co-founder/CTO of The Innovation & Design thinking Academy (TIDA). He is the Director of Research and Innovation at the SmileBuilders Initiative, former Chairperson of FAMSA Standing Committee on Medical Education and Research (SCOMER), and a member/volunteer in many other non-governmental organizations.
He currently works as a Youth Research Facilitator on the ITEST Project by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. Abdulhammed is a budding global health researcher with 17+ publications in international peer-reviewed journals with interest in global health, digital health, universal health coverage, and HIV/AIDS. He is currently pursuing a degree in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
GENERAL SECRETARY – Patience Akampurira
MSA: Makerere University Medical Students Association
Year of study: 3rd Year
Email address: patienceakampurira216@gmail.com
Patience Akampurira is a third year Medical student pursuing a bachelor’s in medicine and surgery at the Makerere University,College of health sciences. She is passionate about helping people, and has been a member of the Rotaract club of Mulago where she participates in community projects that bring help to those who desperately need it. She is also passionate about what FAMSA stands for, and has been team serving under FAMSA SCOPE committee. When at leisure, she enjoys reading a good book and taking walks.
ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY – Victor Femi-Lawal
MSA: University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association
Year of study: 3rd Year
Email address: gensec@famsanet.org
Victor Femi-Lawal is a third-year medical student at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, a student leader, and a budding undergraduate researcher. He is also a professional writer and published essayist. He is passionate about impacting the landscape of healthcare in Africa through research, advocacy, and community interventions.
He has served and volunteered in various capacities in several organizations, including UIMSA (University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association), NiMSA (Nigerian Medical Students’ Association), C.H.E.C.K. Medical Missions, and FAMSA. Victor was one of the winners of the 2020 Independence Day Essay Contest by Legit.ng, Nigeria’s largest online news platform, for his essay exploring the contributions of women in the nation’s early political landscape; and in 2021, he emerged as a finalist in the NIMASA World Maritime Day Essay Competition.
He is also an alumnus of Vertex Research Hub’s Research Bootcamp for young professionals and early career researchers, and has volunteered in several outreaches focused on improving healthcare access for underserved communities.
In the 2021/2022 tenure, Victor served as the Local Officer for the FAMSA Standing Committee on Publications (FAMSA-SCOPUB), UIMSA Chapter. During his tenure, he led the team to carry out various capacity-building programmes geared towards promoting the relevance of publications in his MSA and beyond, including the About FAMSA Series and ‘Journey into Publishing’, a webinar that impacted over a hundred attendees with knowledge about research writing and publishing. In recognition of these activities, he was awarded the Best MSA Officer of the tenure. Additionally, he has served as a Member of the FAMSA Policy SWG, a Member of the NiMSA SouthWest Academic Board, and was a delegate at the 36th FAMSA General Assembly in Lusaka, Zambia.
Victor is optimistic about the future of healthcare in Africa with strategic and responsive leadership at the helm of affairs, as well as targeted innovation in the healthcare sector. In his leisure, he reads, listens to music, or binges on YouTube.
TREASURER GENERAL – Anthony Bamwine
MSA: MUMSA
Year of study: 4th Year
Email address: treasurer@famsanet.org
Anthony Bamwine is a 4th student of medicine and Surgery at Makerere University Uganda . He has gained experience in bio informatics and he so enthusiastic about research and the worlds public health and Telemedicine. He enjoys reading , travel and nature walks .
REGIONAL CORDINATORS
EAST AFRICA– Ochen Eric
MSA: MBARAR UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (UGANDA)
Year: 4th year
Email address: rceast@famsanet.org
I am a fourth-year medical student at Mbarara university of science and technology in Uganda.
I aspire to do anaesthesiology as my speciality. I enjoy working on projects , challenging tasks and variable aspects of life.
I am passionate about leadership and currently undertaking a course in Project management in addition to Medicine. I love dark psychology, reading books , journals, articles, swimming and playing rugby.
NORTH AFRICA– Alshimaa Omer Osman Suliman
MSA: Ahfad University Medical Students Association
Year: 3rd year
Email address: rcnorth@famsanet.org
My Name is Alshimaa Omer Osman medical student at ahfad University . African scientific researcher, soft skills trainer and good communicator.
WEST AFRICA– Adebesin oluwabusola Juliet
MSA: University of the Gambia medical students association
Year: 6th year
Email address:Busolaadebesin@gmail.com
I am a 6th year medical student of the school of medicine and allied health sciences(SMAHS), banjul, The Gambia. I have given myself to service and always willing to help and lead whenever and however I can. I am big on respect as I believe respect is reciprocal. I am Aspiring to be a surgeon( either orthopedic or plastic) I also hope to study Forensic Science to become a Forensic scientist. I am enthusiastic about natural hair and public health and passionate about crime investigations and event planning. I believe Africa has a lot to offer than we are given credit for and in time we will shine brighter.
CENTRAL AFRICA- Fodop Samuel
MSA: Catholic University of Cameroon Medical Students’ Association (CATUC-MSA)
Year: 2nd year
Email address: rccentral@famsanet.org
I’m a young Medical Student aspiring cardiothoracic surgeon. I’m passionate about leadership, advocacy, community development and self-growth. I always thrive to acquire as many skills as possible so as to impact the African health system in a meaningful way
SOUTH AFRICA– Chido Sunga
MSA: Zimbabwe Medical Students Association (ZiMSA)
Year: 3rd year
Email address: rcsouth@famsanet.org
Meet Chido, a third-year medical student and leader who was born in Zimbabwe and is currently attending Midlands State University. Chido has always been passionate about making a difference in the world and has taken that passion to the next level by dedicating his time to volunteering and leading initiatives to help end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Her heart for service is only matched by her enthusiasm for life and love of learning.
When Chido isn’t in the classroom, she loves to cook and bake, and can often be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. She also enjoys reading about ancient civilizations and exploring the world’s history.
STANDING COMMITTEES
SCOPA Chairperson – Cinamon Nyagaka
MSA: Association of Kenyatta University Medicine Students
Year of study: 5th year
Email address: scopa@famsanet.org
My idea of a perfect day is coffee on one hand and a book on the other as Chimamanda transports me to a world where bold heroes have endearing flaws, women are stronger than they look, and chivalry is alive and well.
I believe in social change and brightening the corner where you are. One of my favorite quotes is by Thomas Sankara. “You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness. In this case, it comes from nonconformity, the courage to turn your back on the old formulas, the courage to invent the future.”I am a believer that the world is but a canvas to my imagination, and I intend to embellish and layer it with much color as I deem fit.
SCOMER Chairperson- Sefiu Adeshina Usman
MSA: Olabisi Onabanjo University Medical Students’ Association
Year of study: 2nd Year
Email address: scomer@famsanet.org
Sefiu Adeshina (S.A) Usman is a medical student of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria who optimizes opportunities and situations. He has served in roles that have improved his project management, interpersonal, research and communication skills through his active participation in the Nigerian Medical Students’ Association, Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations and many other non governmental organizations. S.A Usman is a versatile team player and leader who is creative, with improved decision-making skills.
He is a passionate volunteer who maximises time and energy to self- learn design skills and motion graphics to a professional level. His interest in Global Health made him a Global Health and SDGs Advocate.He is currently a Global Youth Ambassador advocating SDG4 (Quality education for all).He also volunteers for NGOs that focus on Global Health (SDGs inclusive).
Sefiu Adeshina Usman is an active member of Olabisi Onabanjo University Medical Students’ Association and also a former member of the Students’ Union Government Medical Committee of Olabisi Onabanjo University. He was recognized by the student union government as the Rookie of Year in 2021.His problem solving and leadership skills will positively impact any role he takes in any organization.
SCOPUB Chairperson – Fatoumata S Sarjo
MSA: UniGaMSA
Year of study: 5th Year
Email address: scopub@famsanet.org
Fatoumata S Sarjo is a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocate with strong interest in Medicine, Leadership, and Public Speaking. She has recently served as the National Officer for SCORA (Standing Committee on SRHR including HIV/AIDS) under the Gambia Medical Students’ Association through IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations), and continues to be an advocate of SRHR on different platforms.
Fatoumata’s involvement in extra-curricular activities have been remarkable thus far and filled with experience. She has been a member of the UniGaMSA (University of The Gambia Medical Students’ Association) publication team since 2019, a finalist at the Vice Chancellor’s Debate Championship in 2019/2020, UniGaMSA’s Local Officer for SCOPUB in 2021/2022, Secretary General of ISA (Islamic Solidarity Association), and currently the Secretary General of UniGaMSA. As a talented writer, she has had a number of her written articles published by the Standard Newspaper in The Gambia.
She is a medical student that has not limited herself to the confines of medicine, with a stern believe that there is a lot more to offer the
world in terms of Volunteerism and Leadership.
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SCOPE Chairperson – WENDY KINARA
MSA: Association of Kenyatta University Medicine Students (AKUMS)
Year of study: 5th Year
Email address: scope@famsanet.org
I am a fifth-year medical student from Nairobi, Kenya passionate about global health, research, health equity, and technological advancement in the health sector.
I aspire to promote accessibility, affordability, and the participation of African medical students in undergraduate exchanges for improved information sharing, integration of medical education, professional development, and ultimately the enhancement of healthcare in Africa.
I enjoy drawing and illustration, traveling, and spending time in nature. I am always looking forward to meeting new people and developing new perspectives on life.
SCOHE Chairperson – Muhammad Isa Jaafar
MSA: FUDUMSA
Year of study: 4th Year
Email address: scohe@famsanet.org
My name is Muhammad Isa Jaafar, I am a 4th year medical student of Federal University Dutse. I am a Nigerian.My passion in public health, environment and preventive medicine drove me to FAMSA SCOHE, and guess what? It’s my 3rd term here!I so much love Africa, and I adore the beauty in its diversity and the complexity in its cultures and beliefs. I believe there is no better way to take Africa out of its current weak health system than to work for Africa, by Africans and in African spirit.
An important life event that happened to me is a moment in my life when I thought ‘what if I die young, would I be happy?’. It was a tough question to answer, and since then it became my motivation to be of positive impact to my community and seek for my creator’s pleasure in every bit of my living.
Important achievements- well, I was on scholarship throughout my last 3 years in secondary school. I’ve led my team in a John Hopkins School of public health program called Innovate4health, my team was the only one from Nigeria and one of the only two in Africa in the 2021 cohort. I’ve initiated and managed a lot of student led public health projects (e.g Fight Hesitancy).
Well I count completing few books in a year, creating important networks and making a great tea for myself as achievements too. I’m an introvert 70%. I’m a book worm ( favorite genre is history, religion and personal development ). I’m a part-term entrepreneur and a scarce chef. I prefer podcasts to music and YouTube to Netflix. I love very dearly and selectively. And, well my friends tell me that I’m creative, authentic and sincere. I admire to become a great public health physician, one that Africa will be proud of. I look forward to a successful term, as I serve as the SCOHE chair 2023.
ADMINISTRATOR, FAMSA HEADQUARTERS– Deborah Ogundijo
MSA: University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Associations (UIMSA), Nigeria
Year of Study: 5th year
Email: hq@famsanet.org, famsaarchives@gmail.com
Deborah Ogundijo is a fifth-year medical student of Ibadan whose interest is to improve the quality of healthcare being received across Africa by ensuring easy accessibility and affordability.She has been part of the FAMSA Headquarters’ Board since the year 2021 where she served as the director of Media Externa and was also awarded the Board member of the year for the 2021/2022 tenure. She has also participated in FAMSA both at the local and Central level.She was part of the team who developed policies what was presented at the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee which held in Togo.Due to her passion in making social impact, she was selected as a millennium fellow of the class of 2021. She is also currently on the board of directors in Smilebuilders Initiative, an organization which works to combat Non-Communicable Diseases.She is a research enthusiast. Her other areas of interest include Bioinformatics, Neuroscience and global health.
EX- OFFICIO 1– Dr Malinga Paddy Derrick
I am an action-oriented and committed pre intern doctor passionate about health systems and has demonstrated leadership skills at both local, country and continental levels. I am focused on advancing the status quo in the healthcare delivery in Africa. An adaptable leader, good interpersonal skills with a spirit of volunteerism, good work ethic governed by integrity with a desire to impact society on the African continent.