Founder

Dr Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija, MD, MSc is Founder and Executive Director of Transformational Development Agency (TDA). A graduate of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, she holds a bachelors degree in medicine and a bachelor’s degree in surgery, a diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, as well as a Master of Science in International Development and Public Health in developing countries. Dr. Alakija has served the United Nations in various capacities from managing regional reproductive and maternal health programs with UNPFA to health and development with UNICEF. She also served as chair of the UNAIDS technical working group for AIDS in the Pacific region from 2000 – 2003 and was also involved in the initiation of the 2002 Global Fund first round talks within the Asia Pacific Region and Small Island States (SIS). Her experience is broad and spans the regions of the world.  In 1998, Dr. Alakija was instrumental in the setup and development of establishing the Pacific Reproductive Health Training Program based at the Fiji School of Medicine, which served 22 nations. The Program involved curriculum development, training and education of health care workers at tertiary district and community levels, with the aim of reducing maternal and child mortality and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. An evidence based approach to health and community development is central to the work of TDA. In 1998, Dr. Alakija was appointed chairperson of the Pacific Inter-Agency Task Force on Behavioral Research, and served in that position until 2001. From 2000 until 2003 she also acted as chairperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Adolescent Development and Youth. These included public and private sectors, government and non-governmental organizations, multi-lateral organizations, educational institutions and organizations affiliated with the United Nations. Dr. Alakija has played an essential role in strategizing for resource mobilization in a vast array of sectors. Her experience encompasses non-government organizations, government organizations, multi-lateral organizations, research institutes and beyond. She collaborates with establishments of all sizes, training those at a grassroots level as well as at a governmental policy level. Her influence in government policy has spanned the continents of Africa, Australia, Asia, and the South Pacific. Her knowledge in development and strategic mobilization in the medical and healthcare sectors and poverty eradication has proven to be significant and essential for developing nations. She is a published researcher and has collaborated as lead researcher with the World Health Organization in the design, coordination and implementation of national health and behavioral surveys across 5 nations. She is the author and co-author of various publications. An African by birth, Dr Alakija considers herself a pan Africanist, she has worked in many countries of the continent examples of which are: Zambia, Rwanda, Kenya, Chad, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria and been fortunate to serve with various development agencies.  Her experience in Asia has also taken her to Thailand and Nepal. Dr Alakija’s passion is global social justice, with a special emphasis on women and children, and her life is dedicated to alleviating the pain and suffering of the poor. She is currently working on a book dealing with social justice issues, largely focusing on the continent of Africa and the many areas in which social transformation is crucial for the further health and development of those nations. Dr. Alakija has taught at various institutions of higher learning across the nations, from the University of Warwick in the UK, to the University of Pepperdine in the United States, Monash University in Australia, University of Melbourne, Pacific Fiji School of Medicine, and the Pacific Post Graduate training program. She is an international conference speaker and also acts as a spokesperson for World Vision. She has been a lead spokesperson for Forums presenting research and development strategies to international world leaders and presidents. Dr. Alakija currently sits on the board for the George Washington University, Washington DC, USA in an advisory capacity for the Africa Centre for Health and Human Security. Most recently, Dr. Alakija has been working with the presidency, the Ministers of Health, and the Ministers of Gender and Family of Rwanda in the area of health and development generally, but with a specific focus in the area of women and children. Her expertise in maternal healthcare is bringing structure and policy changes to nations, focusing on capacity building on all levels from tertiary down to community level. She is also involved in spearheading programs linking maternal health and micro-enterprise for women. Her previous work in healthcare assessments, strategic planning, and policy development has already brought significant advancements in the healthcare systems of nations.