Hello, I'm Mamello Makhele

Public Health Leader & PhD Researcher

Dedicated to advancing maternal and child health through evidence-based research, policy advocacy, and community-centered solutions.

About Me

Mamello Makhele - Profile Picture

Driven by purpose and global recognition, I am a dedicated public health leader and registered nurse-midwife with more than five years of experience transforming maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes in underserved communities. Renowned as a Fulbright Scholar and recipient of the Bill Gates Heroes in the Field Award, I have pioneered impactful programs and forged partnerships with international organizations, governments, and grassroots leaders to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Health Services Research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center—building on a foundation that includes an MPH and other honors. My academic journey empowers me to integrate rigorous research and innovative thinking into real-world solutions for MCH.

My story is rooted in a passion for advocating for women's and children's health, dismantling barriers to quality care, and fostering sustainable, data-driven change. From elevating youth voices on international platforms to spearheading award-winning HIV prevention and empowerment initiatives with the Barali Foundation, my commitment to equity, innovation, and measurable impact in MCH remains unwavering.

I invite you to join me in building healthier futures—where every woman and child has access to dignity and the opportunity to thrive.

Education & Qualifications

2024-2028
Current

PhD in Health Services Research

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Focusing on maternal and child health outcomes, health systems strengthening, and innovative research methodologies.

2022-2024
High Distinction

Master's in Public Health

Maternal and Child Health

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Specialized in SRHR, health policy, and global health initiatives.

2025
Dec 2025

Graduate Certificate

Applied Health Informatics

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Advanced data analysis and health information systems.

2021-2022
Distinction

Post-Graduate Diploma

Public Health

University of South Africa

Epidemiology, biostatistics, and health program management.

2013-2017
Distinction

Nursing and Midwifery

Roma College of Nursing

Comprehensive training in maternal health, pediatric care, and community health nursing.

Awards & Recognition

🌍

Mandela Washington Fellowship

Young African Leaders Initiative

Leadership development program for young African leaders.

💡

Suzanne & Ward Chambers Global Health Fellowship

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Supporting innovative global health research and practice.

📚

Harvard Public Health Magazine Feature

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

"25 Names to Know in African Public Health" recognition.

Publications & Media

Research Publications

"Child Marriages Globally: Legal & Social Implications"

Peer-reviewed research on global child marriage practices and policy implications

Child Rights Policy Research

"Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Stunting Research"

Multinational qualitative study on family functioning, nutrition, and mental health in Rwanda

Adolescent Health Nutrition

Media & Opinion Pieces

"Covid-19 and Rape Through a Cultural Lens"

SheDecides Blog - Analysis of pandemic's impact on gender-based violence

COVID-19 Gender

"Challenging Cultural Norms and Removing Stigma in Lesotho's Rape Culture"

Inter Press Service News Agency - Commentary on cultural barriers to justice

Cultural Change Advocacy

My Work in Action

Watch highlights from my speaking engagements, program implementations, and advocacy work around the world.

My Work in Action

Watch highlights from my professional journey and advocacy work.

Professional Journey Advocacy Work

Major Achievements in MCH

🏥

Innovative HIV Prevention Programs

Co-founded and directed the Barali Foundation in Lesotho, designing initiatives that successfully reached 300+ adolescents in underserved rural areas, contributing to notable reduction in HIV transmission and improved maternal outcomes.

300+ Lives Impacted Rural Communities
🏛️

Health Systems Strengthening

Invited by the UN in Lesotho to address the Prime Minister and senior officials, advocating for integrated RMCH approaches. Input shaped national strategies for MCH coverage, policy integration, and workforce resilience.

National Policy Impact UN Partnership
👥

Community-Based Capacity Building

Led capacity-building workshops training local leaders on integrating SRHR with universal health coverage, directly strengthening community-specific health responses across multiple regions.

Multi-Region Impact Leader Training
💰

Multi-Million Dollar Grant Leadership

As Board Co-Chair of Safe Abortion Action Fund, spearheaded grant initiatives promoting reproductive rights across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Led evaluation teams for UNAIDS and Global Fund reviews.

Multi-Million $ Programs Global Reach

Skills & Technologies

Strategic Planning

Expertise in designing and executing effective health and advocacy strategies.

Research and Data Analysis

Proficient in quantitative and qualitative research methods, with advanced skills in tools like SAS, SPSS, and Microsoft Excel.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

Skilled in policy advocacy, stakeholder collaboration, and health-focused advocacy initiatives.

Project Management

Comprehensive experience in project planning, grant writing, resource management, and monitoring and evaluation.

Communication and Teamwork

Strong ability to build capacity through training and collaboration in diverse teams.

Resource Mobilization

Proven track record in securing and managing resources to support impactful initiatives.

Featured Projects & Achievements

Barali Foundation

Barali Foundation HIV Prevention Program

Co-founded and directed innovative HIV prevention and treatment initiatives in Lesotho, successfully reaching over 300 adolescents in underserved rural areas, contributing to notable reduction in HIV transmission and better maternal outcomes.

Community Outreach HIV Prevention SRHR
UN Policy Work

UN Health Systems Strengthening

Invited by the United Nations in Lesotho to address the Prime Minister and senior officials, advocating for integrated approaches to reproductive, maternal, and child health (RMCH). Input shaped national MCH strategies.

Policy Advocacy Health Systems RMCH
Safe Abortion Action Fund

Safe Abortion Action Fund Leadership

As Board Co-Chair, spearheaded multi-million-dollar grant initiatives promoting reproductive rights across Africa, Europe, and Asia, leading program evaluation teams for UNAIDS and Global Fund review on youth engagement.

Grant Management Reproductive Rights Global Advocacy

Get In Touch

Let's Connect!

I'm always open to discussing new opportunities, collaborative research, policy advocacy, or sharing insights about maternal and child health and global health initiatives.