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Celebrating excellence …some female African doctors making impact
It is said that we should believe in our dreams because they have been given to us for a reason and that if we have a heartbeat, there is still time for our dreams.
In this edition, we highlight the stories of some female African medical practitioners who have worked hard to achieve their dreams and continue to leave a trail in their respective fields.
Dr Elizabeth Itotia
The 29-year-old is Kenya’s first female Radiopharmacist also referred to as Nuclear Pharmacist, a pharmacy professional speciality mainly tasked with preparing radioactive drugs in a safe and quality way. These drugs are used for the diagnosis of various diseases, mainly cancer.
Her position came after years of excelling in a demanding male-dominated field.
Dr Itotia obtained a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Nairobi (UoN), which took her five years to complete. She graduated as the valedictorian (best overall student in the entire university) in the class of 2017.
Being a valedictorian, she secured a fully-sponsored scholarship by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to study Radiopharmacy at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in South Africa, which she recently completed.
“My journey in the radiopharmacy world has been interesting as it completes my world. Growing up, I wanted to be in the medical field, mainly to make difference for people with cancer,” Dr Itotia said.
She is a Radiopharmacist/Nuclear Pharmacist at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital.
Dr Mumtaaz Emeran
The 27-year-old is a South African born Medical Doctor and Philanthropist.
At a young age, she befriended a bad crowd. At age 16, she was pregnant and gave birth prematurely.
“My son was born prematurely and spent two months in the neonatal intensive-care unit. It made me realise I had to take care of him. From that very moment I decided to turn my life around,” Dr Emeran said.
She relocated from Cape Town to Joburg to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor, despite the disapproval in her community.
Dr Emeran worked part-time jobs so she could pay her medical school fees at Wits University.
In 2020, few weeks before her graduation, she received an email from the University notifying her that she would not graduate until she had paid off all her outstanding fees.
She shared the devastating news with her Instagram followers in a five-minute video where she explained that she was in desperate need of assistance. The video went viral, South Africans were touched by her story and helped to fundraise the full amount in 24hours.
Dr Emeran is currently doing her internship at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
Dr Helena Ndume
She is a Namibian born award-winning Ophthalmologist and Humanitarian, notable for her charitable work among sufferers of eye-related illnesses in Africa. To date, she has performed sight-restoring surgeries on 35,000 Namibians, completely free of charge.
“There’s no money in this world that can pay the joy of someone who was blind for so many years and then suddenly they regain their vision,” Dr. Ndume said.
Her motivation to serve those less fortunate than her stems from the civil unrest that she witnessed as a child. She was forced to flee her homeland at the age of 15, and lived in Zambia, Gambia (where she completed secondary school), and Angola, before attending medical school in Germany and returned to Namibia after obtaining her Medical degree.
Dr. Ndume is currently the Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Windhoek Central Hospital, Namibia’s largest hospital.
In 2009, she was honoured with a humanitarian award by the NRCS for her work in restoring sight to those blinded by cataracts. In 2015, she became one of the first recipients of the United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize. In 2018, she was listed as one of BBC’s 100 WOMEN.
Dr Qinisile Diale
She is the Founder and Medical Director of Family Matters, the first female-owned Fertility Clinic in South Africa, Centurion, Pretoria.
The South African born Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and Fertility Specialist, affectionately called Dr Q by her patients, enjoys interacting with other women and is immensely excited by the thought of alleviating other women’s pain and struggles in conceiving.
She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Kwazulu-Natal. She completed her internship at Witbank Hospital, rotating in the various medical departments.
She then went on to complete her community service year in Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department. It was during this time that she felt drawn to the field of women’s health and went on to obtain her Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
She then worked at Pretoria West Hospital as a Medical Officer and trained as an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at the University of Pretoria and obtained her qualification as a specialist in 2015, through the Colleges of Medicine South Africa.
Dr Veronica Moshokgo
The Botswana born Medical Doctor, Public Health Clinician, is the Founder and Medical Director at Health Express Clinic – a private medical clinic that focuses on disease prevention and wellness.
She holds a Master of Public Health – MPH, MSc from Imperial College London, Fellowship in Public Management from The Ohio State University, Post-graduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management and Social Sciences from Stellenbosch University, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) from the University of the West Indies and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Botswana.
Dr Moshokgo practises as a Medical Officer at Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital. She is a co-founder and vice-chairperson of Bound by Love, a charity organisation which provides mentorship and academic essentials to underprivileged students.
By Spectator Reporter
Additional files – Women Power Africa
In a world where stories shape perceptions and influence change, Michelle Eyram Yorgbe, stands out as a compelling voice dedicated to using media as a tool for transformation.
An accomplished journalist and filmmaker, her journey is one marked by excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social impact.
Eyram’s story begins at Mawuli Secondary School, where her passion for the arts and communication first took root.
Even at a young age, she exhibited a deep curiosity about the world around her and a desire to tell stories that matter. This early interest would later blossom into a purposeful career in media and storytelling.
Her academic path led her to the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), where she pursued a Diploma in Film Directing and Script Writing.
At NAFTI, Eyram honed her creative instincts, learning to craft narratives that not only entertain but also educate and inspire.
Her training laid a strong foundation, equipping her with the technical and artistic skills needed to excel in the dynamic world of film and media.
Driven by a desire to engage more deeply with public discourse, Eyram continued her education at the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT), where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism.
Her dedication and discipline quickly set her apart. She graduated with First Class Honours and was named the Overall Best Student of UniMAC-IFT in 2024, a remarkable achievement that underscored her commitment to excellence.
But she’s not one to rest on her laurels. After that feat, Eyram advanced to the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ) for her Master’s degree in Journalism. Once again, she distinguished herself academically, graduating as the Valedictorian of her cohort with an outstanding Final Grade Point Average of 3.94.
“It’s a big honour to graduate as the Overall Best Graduating student with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.94 in the MA in Journalism,” she shared her joy with The Spectator.
“What makes it even more beautiful was coming out as the Valedictorian on two occasions. I am so proud. This would, however mean nothing without a direct impact of this on society,” she said.
Her academic journey reflects not only intellectual brilliance but also a relentless pursuit of growth and impact.
In 2025, Eyram’s excellence gained international recognition when she was selected for further studies in Norway through a partnership between UniMAC-IJ and NLA University College under the Erasmus Mundus Mobility Programme.
This opportunity marked a significant milestone, allowing her to expand her horizons, engage with global perspectives, and refine her craft on an international stage.
Yet, beyond her impressive academic achievements, what truly defines Eyram is her heart for service.
She is deeply committed to advocacy and social development, particularly in championing gender equity and supporting marginalised communities.
Her passion for making a difference has seen her actively involved in community initiatives that bring tangible change to people’s lives.
As a volunteer with the Ghanaian Heritage Organisation, an NGO founded by members of the Ghanaian diaspora, Eyram played a pivotal role in community development projects across the Volta Region. Notably, she contributed to efforts that provided boreholes to underserved villages, bringing clean and accessible water to communities in need.
As the organisation’s only member based in Ghana, her role was both unique and impactful, bridging the gap between local needs and diaspora support.
Her commitment to social change is further reflected in her role as a co-founder of the Dreams Impact Foundation, an initiative she established alongside her sisters.
Through this foundation, Eyram has offered support to vulnerable groups by distributing sanitary products to schoolgirls and prison inmates, while also providing essential items to widows in disadvantaged communities.
These acts of compassion demonstrate her belief that storytelling must go hand in hand with action.
Outside her professional and humanitarian work, Eyram is an avid reader and a lover of films. These passions continue to enrich her perspective, shaping her understanding of narratives and reinforcing her dedication to telling stories that resonate and inspire.
As she steps into the next phase of her journey, she remains steadfast in her mission—to use journalism and storytelling as powerful tools for advocacy, social transformation, and amplifying the voices of the unheard.
Her story is not just one of personal success, but of purpose, a reminder that when talent meets passion and service, the result is truly transformative.
Indeed, Eyram is not only telling stories; she is changing lives, one narrative at a time through storytelling and service.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
In the world of sports, athletes often take center stage while the role of officials remains equally critical, yet less celebrated.
One Ghanaian is steadily changing that narrative. He is Aziz Adimah, a dedicated hockey umpire whose journey from the school field to the international arena reflects passion, resilience, and purpose.
Aziz Adimah’s story with hockey began during his secondary school days. Introduced to the sport in his second year by a peer tutor, what started as a casual interest quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment.
After completing school, he continued playing actively, but by 2008, he made a defining decision to pursue officiating seriously.
That decision marked the beginning of a remarkable turn in his sports journey.
While many athletes aspire to reach the pinnacle as players, Aziz recognised a different path to longevity and impact in the sport. According to him, playing careers especially at the national level can be short-lived, often limited to a few major tournaments.
Officiating, however, offered a broader horizon.
Through umpiring, Aziz found an opportunity not only to stay connected to the sport but also to rise through the global ranks. His dedication has since earned him a place on the international stage, where he proudly represents Ghana.
One of Aziz’s greatest motivations is the honour of representing his country internationally. Having officiated in global competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, he describes the experience as both humbling and inspiring.
Among his most memorable moments was officiating a high-intensity match between Pakistan and England during a World Cup qualifying tournament.
The pace, skill, and tactical depth of the game left a lasting impression on him and reinforced his passion for the profession.
“Being alone on that stage, representing your country is a special kind of pride,” he reflects.
Like every profession, umpiring comes with its own set of challenges. For Aziz, two stand out: logistics and performance expectations.
Unlike players who often benefit from structured team support, umpires must sometimes navigate limited resources, including travel logistics. Additionally, officials are expected to perform at standards higher than the level of play in their home countries which required constant learning, exposure, and adaptation to global trends.
Another major challenge lies in decision-making under pressure. Aziz recounts a particularly difficult moment when, as a video referee, he had to review footage and make a call that resulted in a player receiving a yellow card and a ten-minute suspension.
“In such moments, you know that if you get it wrong, it affects the entire game,” he explains.
Umpiring demands sharp judgment, often within split seconds. Aziz emphasises that fans and players must understand the intensity of this responsibility.
“The umpire processes everything in a split second. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don’t but the pressure is always there.”
Fortunately, he highlights the strong support system within the hockey hierarchy; from coaches to technical teams which provides room for reflection, learning, and growth.
Beyond officiating, Aziz is deeply committed to developing hockey in Ghana.
He runs an academy that focuses on nurturing young talent, with programmes for both youth and university students.
Currently, the academy trains players under 20 and is expanding its reach within tertiary institutions.
His goal is to build a strong pipeline of talent while also promoting officiating as a viable pathway in the sport.
However, he notes a significant gap in female participation, particularly in umpiring.
Efforts are underway to intentionally recruit and mentor more women into officiating roles, including collaborations with schools and international professionals.
Outside the hockey field, Aziz maintains a professional career, balancing work responsibilities with his demanding schedule as an umpire.
He credits his workplace –Promasidor Ghana Limited, for being supportive, allowing him to travel for international assignments.
Despite the challenges, he considers hockey not just a profession, but a form of leisure; something he genuinely enjoys.
Currently serving on the international panel just below the elite level, Aziz is determined to climb higher.
His immediate goal is to secure the required assessment scores to qualify for the top-tier panel, which would enable him to officiate at prestigious events such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Driven by ambition, he hopes to become one of the first Ghanaian umpires to reach that level.
To young people considering a career in hockey officiating, Aziz offers both encouragement and realism. While the profession may not yet provide full financial security, it offers exposure, growth, and the chance to make a mark globally.
With structural improvements expected in international hockey, he believes the future holds greater opportunities for umpires worldwide.
A husband and father of two, Aziz Adimah embodies balance, discipline, and vision. His journey is not just about personal achievement but about elevating Ghana’s presence in international hockey.
Through every whistle blown and every decision made, he continues to inspire a new generation proving that sometimes, the most powerful impact in sports comes not from scoring goals, but from ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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