Why would you like to be the NCDA President-Elect?

I would like to serve on the NCDA Board of Directors to contribute to a more inclusive, collaborative, and effective global response to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). With over 15 years of experience in global health, I have worked across sectors and regions—designing and implementing advocacy strategies, engaging with policymakers, and mobilizing diverse stakeholders to advance NCD prevention and care.

My work has spanned regional and global levels, from leading national public health initiatives in Tunisia to facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms across the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. I bring a strong commitment to health equity and a belief in the importance of translating global strategies into local impact. As a current Board Member of the Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance, I have helped shape regional priorities and build partnerships that reflect the voices and needs of communities often left out of global health conversations.

I believe the NCD Alliance plays a critical role in driving political will, coordinating action, and holding stakeholders accountable. I would be honored to contribute to its strategic direction, bringing both my professional expertise and lived experience from the MENA region and the Global South more broadly.

My goal is to help ensure that the Alliance continues to grow as a truly global movement—one that centers affected populations, supports regional leadership, and delivers measurable progress toward reducing the burden of NCDs worldwide.

What makes you a good candidate for the NCDA President-Elect?

What makes me a strong candidate for the NCDA Board of Directors is my ability to connect across sectors, cultures, and disciplines to build momentum for change. I bring not only public health expertise but also deep experience in strategic communication, coalition-building, and organizational governance—all of which are critical for advancing NCDA’s mission in a complex and evolving global health landscape.

I have a proven track record of building trust and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including civil society organizations, youth networks, academic institutions, and private sector actors. I understand how to navigate political dynamics and elevate NCD priorities within broader development agendas.

Additionally, I offer the perspective of someone who has worked extensively in and with low- and middle-income countries, particularly in contexts of limited resources and competing priorities. I know how to advocate effectively, with cultural sensitivity and a focus on long-term impact.

As someone who has led and advised both grassroots initiatives and global campaigns, I can bring creative problem-solving, a strong sense of accountability, and a passion for inclusive leadership to the Board. I believe in NCDA’s vision and am ready to contribute actively to its continued growth and global influence.

Biography

Dr. Zied Mhirsi is a trilingual (Arabic, French, English) public health expert with over 15 years of experience in global health, advocacy, and strategic communications. He currently serves as Vice President at Global Health Strategies, where he leads global and regional initiatives focused on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), health equity, and systems strengthening.

He is the Co-founder and President of the Tunisian Center for Public Health and has served on the Board of the Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance since 2018. Dr. Mhirsi has worked extensively across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, leading multi-stakeholder partnerships, shaping policy agendas, and driving impactful public health campaigns.

With a background in medicine and public health, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight. He is committed to inclusive leadership, advancing regional voices, and accelerating global action to reduce the burden of NCDs worldwide.