Why would you like to be on the NCDA Board of Directors?

As a clinician with over 30 years of experience, I have dedicated the last 18 years to advocating for the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa. My extensive involvement with leading non-governmental organizations has contributed to the transformative power of advocacy, particularly inspired by the NCDA's inclusive approach that empowers civil society organizations (CSOs) and individuals living with NCDs.

I am motivated to join the NCDA Board to leverage my experience in regional advocacy and capacity building, ensuring that main NCDs affecting vulnerable populations are prioritized in health policies in sub-Saharan Africa and globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need for resilient health systems, revealing the vulnerabilities of our healthcare systems. I am eager to collaborate with like-minded organizations to address the impending NCD crisis in our region, focusing on innovative solutions and sustainable practices. Joining the NCDA Board would not only allow me to contribute to meaningful change but also provide an opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives in the global fight against NCDs, ultimately enhancing our collective impact.

What makes you a good candidate for the NCDA Board of Directors?

I am a strong candidate for the NCDA Board because I bring an extensive experience and proven track record in NCD advocacy and healthcare leadership. My background encompasses clinical practice, research, and policy development, equipping me with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges we face in combating NCDs.

As a founding member and leader in various organizations focused on NCDs in sub-Saharan Africa including the Pan African Society of Cardiology and the African Heart Network, where I seat on the Governing Councils, as well as the African NCD Network and the NCD Alliance East Africa which I have been chairing as Vice-President and President the last six years, I have successfully mobilized NCD advocacy networks and built capacity among local organizations, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

I have successfully co-hosted regional and international conferences on NCDs like the first EAC Regional NCD Conference and the 2025 Global NCD Alliance Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, advocating for impactful policies and practices that address the unique needs of the populations.

My fluency in both English and French allows me to engage effectively across diverse communities, and can help enhance the NCDA's regional reach and impact.

My commitment to collaboration, coupled with my flexibility in fulfilling board responsibilities, ensure that I can contribute meaningfully to the NCDA's mission of improving health for people living with NCDs, particularly in underserved communities.

Biography

Prof. Joseph Mucumbitsi is a Chief Consultant Pediatrician and Cardiologist at King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, and an Honorary Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Rwanda. He holds an MMED in Pediatrics, a Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology, and an MSc in Clinical Research from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL), Belgium. As Rwanda’s first Pediatric Cardiologist and Coordinator of the National Cardiac Surgery Program from 2006, he has led the development of cardiac care services in partnership with the Ministry of Health. Joseph is a longtime member of the Rwanda National Technical Working Group on NCDs, shaping national policy and guidelines. He is a Founder and President of the Rwanda Heart Foundation and the Rwanda NCD Alliance. A founding member of the NCD Alliance East Africa, he served as Vice-President and President until February 2025, leading significant progress in advocacy for NCDs across Rwanda and the East African Community.