IHSD alum Paulin Basinga, MD, PhD, is Africa Director for the Gates Foundation, where for the past ten years he has led efforts focused on global development with an emphasis on local ownership and sustainability. Dr. Basinga has become a prominent leader in global health and oversees the Gates Foundation's health and development initiatives across the African continent.
Although he is based in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Basinga returned to campus last year for a two-day visit that showcased his continued connection to the department and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of global health leaders. He delivered the Dean's Leaders & Lagniappe Lecture, where he shared insights on leadership philosophy and career guidance with graduate students and PhD candidates. His visit included an IHSD PhD pre-dissertation seminar, extensive faculty meetings, and a special lunch with IHSD PhD students from his country of Rwanda. These events reflected his deep expertise in African health initiatives.
In April, Dr. Basinga's remarkable contributions to global health were recognized with the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Outstanding Alumni Award. This award is presented annually to one alumnus who demonstrates exceptional passion and impact in advancing the field of public health across communities. Dr Basinga traveled to New Orleans to receive the award in person.
Dr Basinga earned his MS in 2006 and PhD in 2009 from the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and is an adjunct faculty in IHSD.
