Our Dedicated Staff

Dr. Aflodis Kagaba

Executive Director

Dr. Kagaba is a physician and human rights activist with extensive knowledge of Public health, Health policy and advocacy, Project Management, HIV/AIDS, SRHR and Human rights. He serves as the Executive Director of Health Development Initiative-Rwanda (HDI), an organization he co-founded in 2005 to promote access to health and inclusive development for marginalized and vulnerable communities. At HDI, Dr. Kagaba has had the privilege of championing the advancement of sexual and reproductive health rights in Rwanda, contributed to the elaboration of a number of national and regional health policies, and successfully led several advocacy efforts to advance health and human rights for PLWHA, women, young people and key populations. Dr. Kagaba is currently the Chairperson of the East Africa Health Platform; a regional organization bringing together diverse stakeholders to facilitate the growth and effective contribution of non-state-actors in health towards regional health integration for the benefit of the East African population. He holds an MD from the School of Medicine, National University of Rwanda and a Master of Science in International Health Policy and Management from Brandeis University, USA.

Ariane Dusenge

Deputy Executive Director

Audace Niyimbona

Director of Administration and Finance

Audace joined Health Development Initiative in 2016. Prior to HDI, he spent six years as an auditor with Ernst & Young, Rwanda. There, he managed consultancy and auditing services in Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He participated in audits and fiscal affairs of client portfolios such as oil and gas, telecommunications, banking, and non-governmental institutions. As HDI’s Director of Finance and Administration, he is responsible for all financial reporting, accounting, budgeting, and donor coordination. He received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the School of Finance and Banking at the University of Rwanda and is currently pursuing an ACCA qualification at the College of Business Studies.

Chantal Rushema

Human Resource Manager

Chantal Rushema is a dedicated human resources professional with over 8 years of experience in human resource management and 9 years of experience in law and administration. She has a Master's degree in Law from the University of the Western Cape, with a specialization in International Protection of Human Rights and Children's Rights. She is also a passionate feminist and member of the World March of Women, which fights against all forms of inequality and discrimination against women.

Diane Uwase

Director of Community Outreach

Diane is a strong believer in women’s rights and a strong voice in the fight against gender-based violence and the lack of information around sexual reproductive health rights. Her journey in public health started in university where she graduated with a nursing degree. She now serves as HDI’s hotline coordinator, managing the day-to-day operation of the center as well as making sure that her team is well-versed on the most up to date health and legal information so as to properly counsel the clients that call the hotline seeking guidance. In addition to her duties, she also acts as a cross-cutting liaison assisting the implementation of multiple family planning projects.

Angela Griffith

Director of Strategic Development

Angela Griffith is a seasoned business professional holding a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, currently pursuing an MPA in International Development from the University of York. With nearly a decade of experience in marketing, grant writing, communications, IT, and digital content creation, Angela brings a diverse set of skills to her role as Director of Strategic Development. Beginning her career in marketing at a global manufacturing company, Conductix-Wampfler, Angela transitioned to serve with the US Peace Corps in Rwanda, teaching secondary and adult English and business courses . Over the subsequent four years, she has dedicated her efforts to the nonprofit health sector fostering a deep commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalized groups in Rwanda and contributing to HDI’s institutional growth. .

Dr. Alain Favina

Director of Research

Dr. Alain is a psychiatrist and a researcher. As Director of Research, he is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and monitoring of research projects. He advises HDI on suitable research projects to undertake and ensures that the research projects provide the information needed for HDI’s objectives. He has a high interest in improving the quality of life of people through implementation science research.

Egide Niyotwagira

Data Manager

Egide is a dedicated and continuous learner who is interested in using science to generate real-world solutions. He holds an undergraduate diploma in environmental health sciences and is currently pursuing a master’s in global health delivery. He has more than 5 years of experience working with data and monitoring and evaluation. He currently works in the research department, playing a key role in the implementation of multiple research projects as well as compiling and managing all HDI’s data resources.

Clarisse Umutoni

Finance Manager

Nasra Bishumba

Senior Communication Advisor

Nasra Bishumba has been the Senior Communication Advisor at Health Development Initiative (HDI) since 2021. She is part of a team responsible for developing communication strategies that help advance the organisation's efforts to catalyse broad impact through the sharing of effective ideas and practices. These strategies include publications, impact stories, social media updates, media outreach and promoting partnerships with other Civil Society Organizations. Prior to joining HDI, she was a Senior Journalist at The New Times for 10 years and the Rwandan Correspondent for Germany’s international broadcaster Deutsche Welle for six years. Her longstanding employment in the media has given her the opportunity to work on different stories and to push the agenda around advancing human rights, women promotion, law reform, support for people with disabilities, and sexual and reproductive health and rights among others. She is the winner of the 2017 Fighting Corruption Development Journalism Award. She holds different professional certificates from Poynter Institute, Florida, US and is currently enrolled at Mount Kenya University for a Mass Communication Degree.

Hallelujah Mahoro

SRHR Advisor

Dr. Mickel-Ange Karamage

SRHR Advisor

Dr. Mickel-Ange Karamage holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from Jiujiang University in China, where he completed a six-year program. He gained extensive experience at Rwanda Military Hospital, serving in various departments. In 2022, he played a crucial role in collecting and analysing data on the impact of COVID-19 on women and mothers who received gynecologic services at Rwanda Military Hospital. Dr. Mickel-Ange has pursued additional professional development, including specialised training in advanced trauma life support, abnormal labor and delivery management, and international infection prevention and control protocols. Currently, Dr. Mickel-Ange serves as a sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) Advisor at Health Development Initiative (HDI), where he uses his medical expertise to offer comprehensive guidance and strategic direction on issues concerning sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). His work encompasses various areas such as family planning, contraception, sexual education, maternal health, and advocacy for reproductive rights. Dr. Mickel-Ange's efforts are critical in addressing health disparities and advancing social justice in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Elvis Benimana

Community Health Advisor

Elvis is a dynamic public health professional with a strong passion for improving health equity for vulnerable populations. With a Master's degree in Global Health Delivery (Gender and Sexual Reproductive Health track) obtained at the Unversity of Global Health Equity, and with experience in community health, program implementation, and community empowerment initiatives, Elvis possesses a comprehensive skill set in community integration, health assessments, health planning, and leadership. Elvis holds a Master of Science in Global Health Delivery from the University of Global Health Equity and currently serves as the Project Manager of the Tubiteho Project, a project that aims to advocate for harm reduction services for People Who Use Drugs in Rwanda. Elvis has also successfully supervised teams in complex programs, including HIV prevention and working with historically marginalized populations.

Elyse Ihirwe

Community Health Advisor/Access to Medicine

Annonciata Mukayitete

Senior Program Officer (Gender and Inclusion)

Annonciata worked as a regional project coordinator of the Discriminatory Populations Support Project in the Great Lakes Region (PAFPD-GL): Rwanda-Burundi and RDC. She holds a Master’s degree in International Development and coordinates the EU-funded project at HDI that focuses on capacity building for key populations in Rwanda. Annonciata likes working with HDI because she adheres to HDI’s vision of promoting the health and rights of vulnerable people and marginalized groups for their well-being and self-promotion.

Denise Teta

Policy and Advocacy Officer

Alice Kanyana

Program Officer (GESI)

Gustave Muhire

Program Officer (SOGIESC)

Sulemani Muhirwa

Program Officer (Key Populations)

Sulemani is a strong advocate for the social inclusion and non-discrimination of sexual minorities and members of the LGBTI community. After graduating, he pursued the Rwanda HIV and AIDS Public Interest Fellowship offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During this fellowship, Rwanda Biomedical Center hosted him as an M&E Fellow in charge of national community data. He also served five years as Community Health Promotion Coordinator at Rwandans Allied for Peace and Progress (RAPP) and two years at Ihorere Munyarwanda Organization (IMRO) as Program Technical Assistant in charge of key populations. He is a graduate of the University of Rwanda, College of Business and Economics where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management.

Nestor Imanirahari

Program Officer/Key Population

Malachi Uwimana

Project Coordinator

Wycliffe Hodari Bagabo

Hotline Coordinator

Brendah Kalungi

Human Rights and Litigation Officer

Brendah is a Human Rights Expert responsible for verifying the accuracy of discrimination cases received by the center for health and rights as well as updating the database of those cases. She might also carry out field visits to members of the community to collect more details on the cases.

Jeanette Umuganwa

Legal Associate

Francine Dusabe

Legal Associate

Diane Igihozo

Legal Associate

Dr. Bob Kagoro

Medical Doctor

Annonciata Nyirakarehe

Nurse/Counsellor

Annonciata is a counselor with 30 years of experience, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health service delivery. Namely, she has expertise in clinic management, family planning, voluntary counseling and testing, ante-natal care, diagnosis and treatment of STIs, and HIV prevention, care, and treatment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a background in nursing. She likes working with HDI because of the special work environment, the interaction with the clients, and the nature of the work itself, which stimulates her remaining creative and a lifelong learner.

Mignone Mbabazi Rutsobe

Counselor

Devotha Wihogora

Nurse/Counsellor

Devotha is a nurse and counselor with 18 years of work experience. She first served as a nurse in hospitals then as a counselor to adolescents and couples, in family planning, STIs testing, and treatment, HIV test, and initiation to ARVs. Throughout counseling training, work experience, and with a genuine interest in people, she has the ability to create a positive and trusting client-counselor relationship so that the client experiences being heard and understood, with sensitivity, empathy, aiming his well-being. She holds a Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health.

Elysee Niyigena

Nurse

Chantal Ingabire

Nurse Counselor

Douce Ndizeye

Nurse Counselor

Sincere Nishimwe

Laboratory Technician

Sincere is a true supporter of equal health rights to all. She is the spark that makes the center for health and rights work. She holds a degree in Biomedical Laboratory. With over 5 years of experience working in a clinical laboratory setting, she coordinates all lab testing and coordination. She is in charge of welcoming clients that come to the center for health and rights and makes sure that they receive the STI testing and counseling that they need.

Delphine Mukamigambi

Laboratory Technician

Marie Clarisse Masengesho

Lab Technician

Benjamin Kwitonda

Key Population Program Assistant

Clemence Wihogora

Nurse

Nelly Kamanzi

Nurse

Proscovia Kayitesi

Hotline Counselor

Proscovia holds a bachelor's degree in Clinical Medicine and Community Health from the University of Rwanda. She serves as part of the hotline counseling staff where her responsibilities include providing counseling to clients that call the hotline center on a wide range SRHR topics, referring clients who need legal help to the appropriate HDI legal associates, and keeping track of HDI’s stock of emergency contraceptive pills and HIV self-test kits.

Gisele Shima Nikwigena

Hotline Counselor

Salama ⁠Tuyishime

Hotline Counselor

Liliane Mubandakazi

Hotline Counselor

Alice Akimana

Hotline Counselor

Giscard Mwizerwa

Hotline Counselor

Deborah Mpfurakazi

Hotline Counselor

Marie Josée Uwiduhaye

Hotline Counselor

Josée holds a degree in clinical psychology from the University of Rwanda. Before starting her work at HDI, she briefly worked performing community-based sociotherapy and other psychological services with various health-based organizations. She now serves as a hotline counselor where her responsibilities include providing counseling to clients that call the hotline center on a wide range SRHR topics, referring clients who need legal help to the appropriate HDI legal associates and keeping track of HDI’s stock of emergency contraceptive pills and HIV self-test kits.

Grace UWINGENEYE

Communications Associate

Bakari Jackson

Video Producer

Jackson is a creative force to be reckoned with. You will never miss him carrying a camera at HDI. He holds a degree in filmmaking and production and he is on HDI’s creative team. Jackson shoots, records and produces all of HDI’s media content, including HDI's newest YouTube series Ingamba. He works closely with the communications team to plan out production schedules and shows up to visually document all of HDI’s programs and activities.

Hamza Ineza

Cameraman

Beatrice Umutesi

Multimedia Officer

Ritah Mukashyaka

Research Associate

Melina Gaju Uwamwezi

Research Associate

Everest Turatsinze

Research Associate

Everest has a curious mind and is a talented problem solver. He is a dedicated team player that always looks for ways to use research data in order to reach workable solutions. He holds an undergraduate degree in public health. In his capacity at HDI, he works with both qualitative and quantitative research, collecting, sorting and categorizing data that come from fieldwork.

Fred Mulisa

Research Assistant

Mulisa Fred is a dedicated research assistant and student with a passion for research and communication. Currently serving as a research assistant, Mulisa actively contributes to various projects, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to academic excellence. His research skills allow him to conduct thorough literature reviews, collect and analyze data, writing manuscript and contribute to the creation of comprehensive reports and presentations. With a natural curiosity and a keen interest in exploring new ideas, Mulisa consistently seeks opportunities to increase his knowledge and stay abreast of the latest advancements in both research and communication field. Beyond his research capabilities, Mulisa possesses exceptional communication skills. He has a remarkable ability to translate complex concepts into clear and accessible language, making information more understandable and engaging for different audiences. Through his effective communication, Mulisa actively disseminates research findings, contributing to the wider dissemination of knowledge and fostering meaningful discussions within the field. Committed to personal and professional growth, Mulisa actively seeks out learning opportunities and engages in continuous development, his collaborative nature and ability to work under pressure makes him an excellent team player, ensuring the efficient execution of research projects. With dedication, passion, and expertise, Mulisa Fred is poised to make significant contributions to the field of research and communication, making a lasting impact in his academic and professional journey.

Mpyisi Jacqueline

Research Assistant

Odile Habimana

Research Associate

Eric Shingiro

Accountant

Eric is responsible for financial reporting, including the preparation and monitoring of project budgets and supporting the Director of Administration and Finance in coordination and implementation of projects and organizational audits. Before joining HDI, He worked as a treasurer at Adventist University of Central Africa Students Association. Later, he was a professional intern at Professional Accounting and Auditing Consultancy (PAACO, Ltd) where he worked on tax accounting. He is currently pursuing ACCA accreditation and also completed a program from the African Accounting academy. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the Adventist University of Central Africa.

Alice Mutesi

Procurement Officer

Alice is the Procurement Officer at HDI in charge of privacy and confidentiality and ensuring the protection of the organization’s assets. She monitors program expenditures and prepares and maintains necessary financial justifications. Before HDI, she was an enumerator with CornerStone Africa. She has been an intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation where she worked as the Administrative Assistant for the Director of Finance’s office. She likes working with HDI because it is transforming attitudes and promoting a healthy, stigma-free environment.

Joyce Muteteri

Finance and Admin Assistant

Feza Niyonsaba Marceline

Admin & Finance Assistant

Feza is a highly trained and experienced accounting professional skilled at keeping records current, accurate, and compliant. Her responsibilities include contributing to project budgets and ensuring that all the relevant payments are made on time, maintaining accounting records by making copies and filing documents as requested and making sure that HDI meets audit standards.

Gisele Muhoza Safari

Executive Assistant

Noah Hagenimana

Logistic Assistant

Noah is an experienced driver with over 10 years of service. Meticulous and hardworking, few people are as essential as he is in the smooth running of the day-to-day activities at HDI as he ensures the transportation of HDI personnel and materials, making it so that everyone is where they are supposed to be promptly and safely

Isiaka Kamana

IT Officer

Eric Ndekezi

IT Support

Eric Ndekezi is an IT wizard with excellent hands on experience. He has an extensive experience spanning for over 18 years in IT trouble shooting, web-design and posting. He brings to the team his vast experience in computer programming, troubleshooting, social media communication, logistics handling and events management, photography, and driving skills. He is passionate about human rights issues especially children’s rights.

Madjaliwa Niyonzima

Driver

Madjaliwa holds an undergraduate degree in information systems and management and he serves as HDI’s IT support staff. His responsibilities involve maintaining HDI’s software and hardware equipment, maintaining the organizational network and is always available to troubleshoot any IT related problems that arise.

Alphonse Musoni

Driver

Nkusi Jean Bosco

Driver

Deogratias Nkurunziza

Support Staff / Guard

Deogratias is a dedicated member of HDI's support personnel. His team secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points as well as permitting entry.

Remy Ndayizeye

Support Staff / Guard

Jean Claude Singirankabo

Support Staff / Guard

Dukundimana

Support Staff / Guard

Sophie Muganimana

Support staff / Cook

Jeanne Iradukunda

Support Staff / Cook