Technical Advisor Spotlight

Country: Kyrgyz Republic

Position: Senior Technical Tuberculosis (TB) Advisor

Nationality: Kazakhstan

Languages: Russian, English

Education: Bachelor of general medicine, MSc of psychology

Background: More than 25 years in TB, including the National TB Institute in Kazakhstan, as well as USAID TB projects in the Central Asian region; joined LEAP Global in January 2024; previously with the USAID STAR Project (LEAP Global’s predecessor)

Publications: 

• “Initiating the profiling of common mutations in  M. tuberculosis genome associated with Bedaquiline resistance in Kyrgyzstan”, accepted for publication (2024)

• Available at https://www.challengetb.org/library/pmdt: 

  • “Guide for QTc monitoring and management of drug-resistant TB patients with QT-prolonging agents”

  • “Generic programmatic and clinical guide for the introduction of new TB drugs for the treatment of MDR-TB”

  • “Audiometry in the Management of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis”

What do you consider to be your greatest career achievement? Since 2023, the ten Core TB indicators included in the USAID TB Roadmap have been steadily improving in the National TB Program (NTP) of Kyrgyzstan. Close collaboration and active engagement with the NTP and comprehensive technical assistance have contributed to this.

What was your first job? My first job was as a TB doctor. For 13 years, I treated the most severe patients who came to the National TB Center from all regions of the country. It was the best TB practice in clinic, which helps me in my current work.

Is there anything else about your career or accomplishments that you would like to share or promote? Currently, new technologies recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in TB diagnostics (targeted sequencing) are being implemented in the country. My best place in this implementation is the enhanced joint interaction of the clinic and the laboratory in the very specific interpretation of the test results. This will speed up the decision-making on an appropriate treatment.

Describe your favorite food. The Eastern national food. 

If you created a podcast, what would the topic be? One Hundred Thousand Favorite Lines

Country: Uzbekistan

Position: Senior TB Financing Technical Advisor

Nationality: Kyrgyz Republic

Languages: Russian, English (written)

Education: PhD

Background: Working for more than 25 years in clinical and medical teaching fields, healthcare management systems, and healthcare financing; joined LEAP Global in January 2024; previously with the USAID STAR Project (LEAP Global’s predecessor)

Publications: More than 20, with most listed at https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6625-1548 and including:

• Kyrgyzstan: Health System Review 2022 (in English), https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/publications/i/kyrgyzstan-health-system-review-2022 

• The classifier of surgical operations and manipulations in the system of medical services financing in the Kyrgyz Republic (in English), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35439397/ 

• Dynamics of some indicators of population health in the single payer health care system of the Kyrgyz Republic (in Russian), https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/dinamika-nekotoryh-pokazatelei-zdorovya-naseleniya-v-sisteme-edinogo-platelschika-zdravoohraneniya-kirgizskoi-respubliki/viewer 

• Stages of formation and development of the single-payer health care system in the Kyrgyz Republic (in Russian), https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=38249628 

• Government expenditures on health care in the Kyrgyz Republic and neighboring countries of Central Asia in 2000-2017 (in Russian), https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=41211052 

What do you consider to be your greatest career achievement? The opportunity to help people by developing the healthcare system

What was your first job? My first systematic job was working as a night shift attendant at a hospital while studying medicine. But my first job was picking cotton in the fields for 2-3 months at the age of 11, from 15 kg to 150 kg per day.

If you could pick any other career or job (besides NGO/government/infectious disease work), what would it be, and why? Maybe I would work in the service sector, helping people with their life needs. Maybe hotel, home services, health services.

What book are you reading for pleasure right now? Describe it. Ken Mogi’s The Little Book of Ikigai. This is an interesting book about the Japanese attitude to life situations. Maintaining calm, patience, and finding joy in life.

Describe your favorite food. I like everything that is tasty, national dishes. I don't like fast food.

Do you have any pets? What are their names, types, breeds, personalities, etc.? Previously, there was a dog, Rex, and a cat, Tishka. Rex was a breed of German Shepherd, who guarded my house.

Where was your first foreign trip? Did you like it? My first trip was to Salzburg, Austria. It was impressive. It was for a medical seminar 20 years ago.

Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met? Share the story of how you met. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov. Meeting in Ashgabat. It was very interesting and unique.

What is your favorite quote? Who said it? When things are hard, everything will pass, and this too. Quote by Solomon.

What is the worst advice you've ever received? I think the worst advice is when there is no advice. We always have to make our decisions ourselves, and the advice should be different.

Country: Zambia

Position: Laboratory Technical Advisor, National TB and Leprosy Program

Nationality: Zambia

Languages: English, Bemba

Education: MSc in infectious diseases, BSc in biological sciences

Background: Working in the field for 19 years, joined LEAP Global in April 2024, previously with the USAID STAR Project (LEAP Global’s predecessor)

Publications: 

• W. Mwanza, et al. “Stool-Based Xpert Testing for Diagnosis of TB in Children and Critically Ill Adults: lessons from Zambia”. Accepted for publication.

• M.H. Kangongwe, et al. 2024. “Drug resistance profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates by genotype MTBDRplus line probe assay in Zambia: findings and implications”. JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance volume 6 issue 4. https://doi.org/10.1093/jacamr/dlae122.

• W. Mwanza, et al. 2018. “Diagnosis of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis: Discordant results by diagnostic methods”. African Journal of Laboratory Medicine volume 7 issue 2. https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v7i2.806.

• M. Muyoyeta, et al. 2013. “Sensitivity, Specificity and Reproducibility of the Capilia TB-Neo Assay”. Journal of Clinical Microbiology volume 51 issue 12. https://doi.org/10.1128%2FJCM.02441-13. 

What do you consider to be your greatest career achievement? Through the many contributions I have made throughout my career as a tuberculosis diagnostics specialist, my greatest achievement culminates in improved patient outcomes and prevention of the further spread of the disease, which results from quality and timely case detection and faster initiation of appropriate treatment. In my current position as the laboratory Technical Advisor to the National TB and Leprosy Program, I have had an opportunity to contribute to the validation and implementation of new diagnostic approaches, training of healthcare professionals and laboratory staff, publishing research, and providing expertise to inform policy. 

One achievement I would like to single out is the validation, implementation, and scaling up of the use of stool-based Xpert testing to improve bacteriological investigation of TB in children. I was privileged to anchor processes on this exercise, through which and other interventions the program has since seen improved performance in childhood TB case detection.

What was your first job? My first full-time job was as a research scientist at the Zambia Aids Related Tuberculosis (Zambart) Project. At the time, Zambart was conducting a huge Bill and Melinda Gates-funded Pilot Prevalence Survey and an embedded Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) culture demonstration study. I must say this was my immersion into the field of mycobacteriology that would shape my career path. The wealth of knowledge and hands-on skills gained at this time has indeed shaped my career path.

Is there anything else about your career that you would like to share? My career resonates very well with my interests and passion, and for this reason, I feel so fulfilled with each accomplished task. In addition, the ever-evolving approaches in TB diagnostics demand continuous learning, which keeps me motivated.

If you could pick any other career or job (besides NGO/government/infectious disease work), what would it be, and why? I would choose a career in farming and food production. I have always loved and found satisfaction in the connection with nature that comes from seeing the process from seed to fruit. During my BSc training, I took a food microbiology course that ignited a passion for food processing. To date, I have used a few of those skills in my home trying out homemade cheese, yogurt, and generally new ways of food preparation.

Do you have any pets? What are their names, types, breeds, personalities, etc.? I have a male dog named Billy aged 8 years. He is a mixed Pomeranian Maltese breed. Billy is a very affectionate dog, loves attention, and has very clear expressions of when he is happy and when he is unhappy. He is very picky with food.

Country: Kyrgyz Republic

Position: Senior Technical Advisor to the National TB Program

Nationality: Kazakhstan

Languages: Russian, English

Education: Bachelor of Arts

Background: Working in the field for 25 years, joined LEAP Global in January 2024, previously with the USAID STAR Project (LEAP Global’s predecessor)

Publication: Strengthening the Operational Research Capacity of National Tuberculosis Control Programs: Necessity or Luxury?, Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, https://www.mdpi.com/2414-6366/8/7/339 

What do you consider to be your greatest career achievement? Saving lives of TB patients.

Is there anything else about your career that you would like to share? The best part of my job is to promote people-driven changes.

What was your first full-time job? My first job was improving TB control in prison back in 1997.

Where is your favorite place to vacation, and why? I like the Hague. It’s a place where I studied and lived for a bit.

Describe your favorite food. Definitely Mexican and Indian food! 

Country: Nepal

Position: Global Fund and Tuberculosis Grant Advisor

Nationality: Nepal

Languages: Nepali, English

Education: Master of public health (MPH), bachelor of public health (BPH), proficiency certificate level in general medicine (Health Assistant)

Career background: Working in the public health sector for more than a decade, joined LEAP Global in May 2024, previously with the USAID STAR Project [LEAP Global’s predecessor]

Publications: 

• Why do people purchase antibiotics over-the-counter? A qualitative study with patients, clinicians, and dispensers in central, eastern, and western Nepal, https://gh.bmj.com/content/6/5/e005829 

• Factors affecting utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among women with disabilities - a mixed-method cross-sectional study from Ilam district, Nepal, https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-021-07382-4 

What do you consider to be your greatest career achievement? Throughout my extensive career in public health, I have had the privilege of contributing to numerous impactful projects and initiatives. Reflecting on my career journey, my biggest achievement is the successful coordination and submission of comprehensive funding proposals to the Global Fund during my tenure as the Executive Secretary/Coordinator of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nepal at the Ministry of Health and Population. This achievement was not merely about securing funds; it represented a culmination of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and meticulous execution. In my role, I was tasked with securing substantial funding to support HIV, TB, and Malaria programs, alongside responding to the emergent needs of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding proposal needed to address healthcare challenges at multiple levels of governance while aligning with the international standards set by the Global Fund. The successful coordination and submission of this proposal had a profound impact on Nepal's healthcare system. It ensured continuous funding and support for critical health programs, particularly during a time when the COVID-19 pandemic posed additional challenges. The secured funds enabled the scale-up of essential health services, improved health outcomes for vulnerable populations, and strengthened the overall resilience of Nepal's health system.

Is there anything else about your career that you would like to share? My career journey reflects a commitment to improving public health systems and policies, driving positive change, and ensuring a healthier future for all. Through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and meticulous execution, I have consistently contributed to the strengthening of Nepal's health system and the implementation of critical health programs.

I am passionate about contributing to the improvement of public health systems and policies to create a healthier future for all. Throughout my career, I have held diverse roles that have allowed me to sharpen my knowledge and skills, equipping me with the ability to oversee multidisciplinary projects and navigate complex challenges. I firmly believe that genuine change stems from unwavering passion and diligent effort, and I am driven to serve as the catalyst for positive transformation in my society and nation.

What was your first full-time job? My first full-time job was as a Regional Program Coordinator for the Global Fund Grant with Save the Children in Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal. This role allowed me to contribute to crucial public health initiatives, focusing on improving health outcomes in the region. It provided me with valuable experience in program management, coordination, and working with diverse stakeholders, setting a strong foundation for my career in public health and development.

If you could pick any other career or job (besides NGO/government/infectious disease work), what would it be, and why? I would choose to be a politician. During my student life, I was actively involved as a student leader, advocating for the welfare of students and addressing their concerns. This experience ignited a passion for public service and a desire to effect change on a broader scale. As a politician, I would have the opportunity to address systemic issues, influence policy decisions, and work directly with communities to improve their lives. My background in public health and governance would provide a strong foundation for making informed decisions and creating policies that promote social equity and public welfare.

What is your hidden talent? One of my hidden talents is singing. I have a passion for music and enjoy singing Nepali and Hindi classical songs and ghazals. Singing allows me to express myself creatively and connect with my cultural roots. It’s a form of relaxation and joy for me, and I often find solace in the melodies and lyrics of classical music. Whether performing for friends and family or just singing to myself, it’s a talent that brings a lot of happiness and fulfillment to my life.

Describe your favorite holiday. My favorite holiday is Dashain vacation, which is one of the most significant festivals in Nepal. As a Nepali Hindu, Dashain holds a special place in my heart due to its cultural, religious, and familial importance.

Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, typically falls in September or October and lasts for 15 days. It celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival starts with Ghatasthapana, where a sacred jar filled with holy water is placed in the prayer room and seeds are sown in a sand bed. This marks the beginning of the worship of Durga, and the seedlings that sprout from the sand are called Jamara, which are considered sacred.

Throughout Dashain, families come together to perform rituals, worship, and feast. One of the highlights of the festival is the Tika and Jamara ceremony on the tenth day, Vijaya Dashami. Elders place Tika, a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermillion, along with Jamara, on the foreheads of younger family members while offering blessings of prosperity and happiness. This ritual strengthens familial bonds and is a beautiful expression of respect and love across generations.

The festival is also marked by the flying of kites, which is a popular activity among children and adults alike. It symbolizes the freedom and joy that Dashain brings. Another significant aspect of Dashain is the construction of large swings called 'ping', which are made from bamboo and ropes. These swings are set up in open fields and provide endless fun for everyone.

Dashain is a time of renewal and joy, where homes are cleaned, painted, and decorated, new clothes are worn, and special dishes like goat meat, sweets, and various traditional delicacies are prepared. It is a period when the entire country is in a festive mood, markets are bustling, and there is an air of excitement everywhere.

For me, Dashain is more than just a holiday; it is a celebration of my heritage and a reminder of the rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. It brings my family together, strengthens our relationships, and allows us to create cherished memories. The spiritual aspect of worship and the joy of reuniting with family make Dashain an irreplaceable and beloved festival in my life.