Research

John Heshmat is a public health specialist and clinical research leader working at the intersection of cardiovascular health, rare diseases, and health equity in Africa. He is the Founder and Coordinator of Amyloidosis Africa, a continental initiative dedicated to improving awareness, early diagnosis, and collaborative research on cardiac amyloidosis across African countries.

His work focuses on addressing the persistent gap in the recognition and diagnosis of rare and inherited cardiovascular diseases, particularly transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM), in African healthcare systems where awareness, diagnostic pathways, and research representation remain limited. Through Amyloidosis Africa, he is working to build a network of clinicians, researchers, and institutions to strengthen education, improve diagnostic readiness, and expand collaborative research across the continent.

John combines a background in pharmacy, clinical research, and public health with extensive field experience working in hospitals and underserved communities across Africa. His work emphasizes strengthening healthcare workforce capacity, supporting clinician education, and promoting research initiatives that better reflect African populations and healthcare systems.

He is also the Co-Founder and Chairman of CRK Clinical Research Key (CRK-NGO), a Kenyan organization dedicated to advancing clinical and public health research in underserved communities. Through this work, he leads investigator-driven research and educational initiatives focused on neglected and rare diseases and collaborates with international partners and research groups to expand opportunities for research and training in Africa.

In addition, John serves as the Country Coordinator in Kenya for Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, an international humanitarian organization that facilitates life-saving heart surgery for children from countries where such procedures are not accessible. He is also an Ambassador of the Formation 5/5 Pediatric Cardiology Education Program, a global mobile learning initiative designed to train physicians in the early recognition and management of congenital heart disease in underserved settings.

John has also led national educational initiatives on transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, including the development of a CPD-accredited training program for healthcare professionals in Kenya aimed at improving awareness and early recognition of the disease among cardiologists, physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers.

In addition to his research and educational work, John has extensive experience in public health program implementation and community health initiatives. He has contributed to large-scale health programs addressing HIV, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, and gender-based violence, and has coordinated medical outreach initiatives in underserved communities, including urban informal settlements and remote regions.

John holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Liverpool John Moores University (United Kingdom) and a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy. He also holds a Diploma in Project Management in Practice and a Diploma in Public Relations, reflecting his multidisciplinary approach to health leadership, research coordination, and strategic communication. He is an ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) provider and a member of the International Society of Amyloidosis (ISA).

Through his work, John is committed to building Africa-led initiatives that strengthen clinical knowledge, expand research collaboration, and improve early recognition of cardiovascular diseases, particularly rare and underdiagnosed conditions, across the continent.

Dr. Anders Barasa is a Kenyan consultant cardiologist and heart failure specialist with extensive international clinical and academic experience across Europe and Africa. He holds an MD and PhD, is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP, Edinburgh) and the European Society of Cardiology (FESC), and is a Certified Heart Failure Specialist (PCHF, University of Zurich/ESC).

He currently leads heart failure services in Copenhagen and has served as Chair of the Heart Failure Working Group of the Danish Society of Cardiology, alongside academic appointments at the University of Copenhagen. His work focuses on advanced heart failure management, multimodality cardiac imaging including MRI, and the translation of research into clinical practice.

With a career spanning both high-resource and resource-limited settings, Dr. Barasa has played a key role in strengthening cardiovascular care in East Africa while contributing to cutting-edge clinical research in Europe. He is widely recognized for his ability to bridge health systems, mentor emerging clinicians and researchers, and drive impactful collaborations.

Dr. Barasa brings a strong commitment to advancing equitable cardiovascular care and continues to engage in partnerships that support clinical excellence, capacity development, and research across regions.

Dr. Christina Mwachari, MBChB, MSc, MPH, PhD is a physician-scientist and public health researcher with more than 25 years of experience in infectious disease research, epidemiology, and health systems strengthening in Africa. She currently serves as a Principal Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and as Director of Research and Development (R&D) at CRK Clinical Research Organization, where she leads initiatives focused on advancing clinical research, innovation, and workforce development.

She holds an MBChB from the University of Nairobi, an MSc in Medical Microbiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Washington, and a PhD in Public Health / Epidemiology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Dr. Mwachari’s research career began within Kenya’s Ministry of Health before transitioning into senior research and leadership roles at KEMRI and the University of Maryland Programs in Kenya, where she contributed to large-scale public health, laboratory systems strengthening, and implementation programs. Her work has focused on HIV prevention and care, tuberculosis and respiratory diseases, reproductive health, and community-based health interventions.

Throughout her career, she has led and contributed to numerous clinical studies and public health programs supported by organizations including WHO, NIH, PEPFAR, and the Rockefeller Foundation, and she has presented her work at major international scientific meetings such as CROI, the International AIDS Conference, and the IUATLD World Conference on Lung Health.

She has also played an important role in strengthening laboratory systems in Kenya, mentoring more than twenty laboratories toward ISO 15189 accreditation and supervising postgraduate researchers in epidemiology and public health.

Within Amyloidosis Africa, Dr. Mwachari contributes research leadership and scientific guidance, supporting efforts to strengthen evidence generation, research collaboration, and capacity building across African countries.

Dr. George Otieno is a consultant physician–cardiologist and academic clinician who contributes to Amyloidosis Africa as Clinical Education & Training Advisor, supporting initiatives that strengthen clinician awareness, professional education, and capacity building in cardiovascular care across the continent.

He is a Consultant Physician–Cardiologist at AIC Kijabe Hospital, where he manages complex cardiovascular conditions and performs advanced diagnostic and interventional procedures, including cardiac catheterization, pacemaker implantation, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, and exercise stress testing. In addition to clinical practice, he actively mentors junior doctors and medical officers and promotes continuous professional development through clinical teaching and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Otieno also serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics at Kenyatta University, where he teaches undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, supervises clinical rotations, and contributes to curriculum development and academic research. His work emphasizes evidence-based medicine, professional ethics, and the development of future healthcare leaders.

He plays an active leadership role in the cardiovascular community as Assistant Treasurer and Board Member of the Kenya Cardiac Society, contributing to governance, professional development initiatives, and efforts to advance cardiovascular awareness and prevention programs in Kenya.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Otieno served as a Technical Advisor and Clinical Mentor with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, where he provided nationwide mentorship and training to clinicians on HIV and tuberculosis management, helping strengthen clinical capacity and improve quality of care across multiple health facilities in Kenya.

Dr. Otieno completed a Cardiology Fellowship at The Karen Hospital, holds a Master’s degree in Internal Medicine from the University of Nairobi, and earned a subspecialty certificate in Heart Failure from Cardiff University. His academic and clinical work includes several peer-reviewed publications in cardiology, critical care, and health systems research.

Through his role with Amyloidosis Africa, Dr. Otieno contributes to strengthening clinician education, supporting training initiatives, and promoting improved recognition of complex cardiovascular conditions, including cardiac amyloidosis, across African healthcare systems.

Dr. Lillian Njagi is a physician-scientist and epidemiologist with extensive experience in clinical research, population health, and implementation science across sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a PhD in Epidemiology and has served as a Clinical Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), with additional postdoctoral training in infectious diseases and global health.

Her work spans large-scale research programs in tuberculosis, HIV, and other public health priorities, with a strong focus on study design, real-world evidence generation, and translating research into practice within resource-limited settings. She brings deep expertise in epidemiological methods, multi-country research coordination, and health systems analysis.

Within Amyloidosis Africa, Dr. Njagi provides strategic and scientific input on research and evidence generation, with a particular focus on epidemiology, registry development, and implementation science. Her contributions support the design of multi-country studies, strengthen data-driven approaches to understanding amyloidosis in African populations, and help bridge the gap between clinical awareness and real-world diagnosis and care pathways.

Her work plays a critical role in advancing a more comprehensive, systems-informed approach to improving the recognition and management of cardiac amyloidosis across Africa.

Dr. Yubrine Moraa Gachemba is a Consultant Cardiologist and Chief Cardiologist at Primecare Heart Clinic, The Nairobi Hospital. She has advanced subspecialty expertise in multimodality cardiac imaging, including advanced echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography (CT), and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), as well as structural heart disease and cardio-obstetrics.

She trained in cardiology within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) and holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine from the University of South Wales, alongside a Postgraduate Diploma in Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine. She also completed her Master of Medicine (MMed) in Internal Medicine at the University of Nairobi. In addition, she holds a Cardiology Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, with a focus on multimodality cardiac imaging and cardio-obstetrics .

Her work focuses on imaging-guided clinical decision-making, including diagnosis, risk stratification, and timing of intervention in complex cardiovascular disease. Her areas of interest include women’s cardiovascular health and pregnancy-associated heart disease.

In addition to clinical practice, she is involved in research, registries, and medical education related to cardiovascular care and imaging. Her work includes collaboration across clinical care, academic research, and health systems strengthening initiatives in African settings.

She serves as Continental Lead – Cardiac Imaging & Diagnostics (Africa) within Amyloidosis Africa. In this role, she contributes to imaging-based diagnostic approaches for cardiac amyloidosis, supports the development of diagnostic pathways and standardized frameworks, and participates in registry and implementation-focused initiatives. She is also involved in training and capacity-building for clinicians and imaging specialists across multiple African countries and contributes to clinical and strategic activities within Kenya.

Henry Joseph Oduor Ogola is a research scientist and academic with over 15 years of experience in genomics, bioinformatics, and clinical research management. His work focuses on integrating computational biology with clinical and public health research, with particular expertise in next-generation sequencing (NGS), metagenomics, and advanced data analytics.

He has led and coordinated multiple large-scale, multi-site research programs funded by international agencies including the NIH, CDC, BMGF, and PEPFAR, ensuring compliance with GCP, IRB, and global research standards. His experience spans clinical data management, research systems development, and cross-institutional collaboration across Africa and internationally.

Ogola has secured over KES 500 million in research funding and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications in areas spanning microbiome science, infectious diseases, and translational research. He is also actively involved in postgraduate training, mentorship, and the development of advanced bioinformatics and research methodologies.

At Amyloidosis Africa, he supports the development of genomic and data science frameworks, contributing to the integration of genetic research, registry systems, and multi-country studies. His role strengthens the initiative’s capacity to deliver high-quality, data-driven research and to scale collaborative efforts across the continent.

Godfrey Nyakaya is a senior clinical research professional with over 16 years of experience in clinical trials across Africa, with specialized expertise in quality assurance, site monitoring, and regulatory compliance. He holds a Master of Science in Clinical Trials from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and has built a strong track record in delivering GCP-compliant, audit-ready research across multi-country studies.

He has held key roles with leading global research organizations, including Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, GlaxoSmithKline, and the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme. Across these roles, he has led clinical trial monitoring, quality system development, regulatory inspection readiness, and risk-based quality management, supporting studies from initiation through close-out.

Godfrey brings deep technical expertise in ICH-GCP, GCLP, and ISO-aligned quality systems, with hands-on experience in audit planning, CAPA implementation, deviation management, and trial master file (TMF) oversight using platforms such as Veeva eTMF. He has also played a critical role in strengthening laboratory and clinical trial quality systems, contributing to GCLP accreditation and ISO 9001-certified processes.

In addition to his operational expertise, he is actively engaged in advancing global quality standards as a Group Leader for GCLP review with the Oxford Global Health Network, contributing to the development of risk-based quality management frameworks and training materials aligned with evolving regulatory expectations.

Within Amyloidosis Africa, Godfrey leads the development of clinical research quality and compliance frameworks, ensuring that all research activities meet international standards and are aligned with trial readiness requirements. His role is central to bridging the gap between awareness initiatives and high-quality, multi-country clinical research, positioning the network for credible collaboration with global partners and sponsors.

Dr. Raghda E. Eldesouki, MD, MSc, PhD, DipIBMed, is a medical geneticist and Assistant Professor specializing in precision medicine, genomics, and multi-omics research . She holds a Bachelor of Medicine (MB.B.Ch), a Master’s degree, and a PhD in Human/Medical Genetics from Suez Canal University, and has undertaken advanced academic and research training at institutions including Johns Hopkins Medicine and Tulane University School of Medicine. She also holds a diploma in business management and additional certifications in medical education and quality assurance.

With over 16 years of experience, her work spans clinical genomics, human genetics, and translational research, with a strong focus on variant selection, genotyping, interpretation, and clinically anchored reporting. She has led and contributed to projects involving whole genome sequencing, genomic surveillance, and integration of genetic data with clinical variables to generate actionable clinical and public health insights. Her technical expertise includes high-throughput screening, assay development, molecular diagnostics, and multi-omics data analysis, alongside the application of machine learning models in translational genomics.

Dr. Eldesouki has contributed to cancer genomics and biomarker discovery, including the development of predictive models and gene expression analyses, and has participated in clinically oriented research involving infectious diseases, immunology, and hematologic malignancies. Her work includes publications in peer-reviewed journals, patent contributions in bi-specific antibody development, and active roles as a peer reviewer for leading international journals such as Scientific Reports, BMC Pediatrics, and the Journal of Medical Virology.

In addition to her research, she has held leadership and administrative roles, including Assistant Director of Quality Assurance, contributing to institutional development, medical education, and research governance. She has also served as Director of Medical Genomics (voluntary) with the American Board of Precision Medicine, supporting initiatives in medical education, communication, and assessment design.

As Scientific Lead – Genetics & Precision Medicine at Amyloidosis Africa, Dr. Eldesouki leads the integration of genomic and precision medicine approaches into the initiative, supporting genetic awareness, variant interpretation frameworks, and the development of research strategies aligned with hereditary and underdiagnosed conditions such as cardiac amyloidosis. Her role focuses on bridging advanced genomic science with real-world clinical application across diverse African healthcare settings.

Dr. Rasha Mohamed Abayazeed Hassan is a distinguished cardiologist and academic based at Alexandria University, where she currently serves as a Lecturer in Cardiology and Angiology. With a strong foundation in both clinical practice and academic medicine, she brings extensive expertise in non-invasive cardiovascular imaging, clinical education, and cardiovascular research.

Dr. Rasha has played a pioneering role in advancing specialized cardiovascular care in Egypt. She is the founder of a dedicated Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic at Alexandria University, demonstrating her early commitment to improving the recognition and management of this underdiagnosed condition. In addition, she is a co-founder of both cardio-obstetrics and cardio-oncology clinics, contributing to multidisciplinary care models that address complex cardiovascular conditions in high-risk patient populations.

Her academic journey includes a Doctorate in Cardiology (2020) and a Master’s degree in Cardiology (2014), both obtained with distinction, following her MBBS from Alexandria University. Her research has focused on advanced cardiac imaging and arrhythmias, with continued involvement in observational studies, registries, and postgraduate supervision.

Dr. Rasha has also led a Pfizer-supported observational study on cardiac amyloidosis, completed in 2025, further reinforcing her expertise and leadership in this field. Her research contributions are reflected in multiple peer-reviewed publications spanning echocardiography, cardio-oncology, and critical care cardiology.

An active member of both the European Society of Cardiology and the Egyptian Society of Cardiology, Dr. Rasha remains deeply engaged in the global cardiology community.

As Regional Lead – Alexandria, she plays a key role in advancing the mission of Amyloidosis Africa by supporting case identification, strengthening clinical awareness, and contributing to research and registry development across Egypt and the broader North African region.

Hamed Sami, BPharm, MSc is a clinical data management specialist and pharmacist who contributes to the Amyloidosis Africa initiative as part of the Scientific and Research Team, supporting data management and research infrastructure for collaborative studies and registries.

He has experience in clinical trial data management, electronic data capture (EDC) systems, and clinical database design, with expertise in platforms such as Medidata Rave, Oracle Clinical, and IBM Clinical Development. His work focuses on ensuring data quality, validation processes, and compliance with international research standards including ICH-GCP and CDISC data standards.

Hamed holds a Master’s degree in Biobanking from Alexandria University, where he developed expertise in biospecimen management, laboratory information management systems, and the role of biobanking in advancing medical research. He also holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy, providing a strong foundation in clinical and pharmaceutical sciences.

Within Amyloidosis Africa, Hamed supports efforts to strengthen clinical data management, registry development, and research data governance, helping ensure that studies and collaborative projects generate high-quality evidence to advance the understanding and early recognition of cardiac amyloidosis across Africa.

Cardiologist | Heart Failure Specialist | Assistant Professor of Medicine
Clinical Lead – Heart Failure & Diagnostic Pathways (Ethiopia)

Dr. Sura Markos is an adult cardiologist, internist, and Assistant Professor of Medicine based in Ethiopia, with specialized expertise in heart failure and complex cardiovascular disease management. She is a PASCAR-certified Heart Failure Specialist and a Certified Clinical Lipidologist, combining advanced clinical training with a strong academic and research background.

She currently serves at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, where she is actively involved in patient care, medical education, and clinical research. Her work focuses on improving the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases in resource-limited settings, with particular interest in advancing context-specific approaches to complex conditions such as cardiac amyloidosis.

Dr. Sura has contributed to academic medicine through teaching, mentorship, and research, and has recently published work addressing the challenges of diagnosing and managing cardiac amyloidosis in low-resource environments. Her clinical and academic experience positions her as a key contributor to strengthening diagnostic pathways and improving awareness across the region.

Within Amyloidosis Africa, Dr. Sura contributes to the development of context-adapted diagnostic approaches, supports clinical education initiatives, and plays a role in advancing multi-country research efforts and registry-based work.

Aspanas Keya Omukanya, BSc (Medical Laboratory Science), MSc (Epidemiology and Biostatistics – Ongoing)

Aspanas Keya Omukanya is a clinical research professional with experience in clinical trial operations, laboratory sciences, and quality assurance within research settings. He is currently serving as an Associate Clinical Research Associate at IQVIA in Nairobi, where he supports site monitoring activities, clinical documentation management, data flow tracking, and coordination of trial-related processes in compliance with study protocols and standard operating procedures.

Prior to this role, he worked as a Laboratory Technologist and Study Quality Assurance Officer at IMPACT Research and Development Organization in Kisumu. In this capacity, he was involved in laboratory diagnostics, study sample management, REDCap data entry, and quality assurance processes, including review of source documents and adherence to ISO 15189 standards. His experience also includes supporting clinical and laboratory procedures at Strathmore University-CREATES and KEMRI, where he contributed to sample analysis, molecular testing, and laboratory system operations.

His technical expertise spans clinical laboratory testing (hematology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics), clinical trial documentation, data management systems, and research compliance frameworks. He has practical experience working with electronic data capture systems such as REDCap and supporting the lifecycle of clinical trials, including sample handling, shipment coordination, and regulatory documentation.

Aspanas is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, further strengthening his foundation in research methodology, data analysis, and evidence-based practice. His professional development includes training in Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), Human Subject Protection (CITI Program), and Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (NIH).

He is a registered member of the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Board (KMLTTB) and a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

Within research environments, his work has focused on supporting data integrity, quality assurance, and operational coordination across clinical studies, contributing to the effective implementation of research protocols in both laboratory and field settings.

Lewis Wanyonyi is a medical student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) with a strong interdisciplinary background in clinical research, medical writing, and healthcare communication. He combines formal medical training with over six years of experience in scientific content development, positioning him at the intersection of clinical medicine, research, and knowledge translation.

He has gained hands-on clinical experience through rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology across major healthcare institutions in Kenya. Alongside his clinical training, Lewis has actively engaged in research, serving as a Principal Investigator on a study exploring the impact of digital health literacy on treatment adherence. His work involved data collection using REDCap and statistical analysis with SPSS, with findings presented at a medical research symposium and a manuscript currently under review .

In parallel, Lewis has built extensive experience in medical and scientific communication, working as a medical content writer and senior editor for international platforms. He specializes in translating complex medical and research concepts into clear, evidence-based content tailored for both healthcare professionals and broader audiences, ensuring accuracy and alignment with global healthcare standards.

His skill set includes clinical research methodology, literature review, evidence synthesis, and healthcare content strategy, supported by proficiency in tools such as SPSS, R, and major medical databases including PubMed and Cochrane.

Lewis is particularly interested in advancing research, education, and awareness in underserved settings, with a focus on improving access to accurate medical information and supporting data-driven healthcare initiatives.