Advancing the Fight Against Esophageal Cancer in Africa
The AfrECC Foundation is responsible for:
Through careful stewardship, the Foundation ensures that every contribution translates into meaningful impact.
Please use thispage to make donations to the AfrECC Foundation. These funds will be used bythe AfrECC Foundation to support the activities of AfrECC. Your support directly strengthens clinicalcare, training, research, and advocacy efforts aimed to reduce the burden ofesophageal cancer in Africa’s highest-risk regions.
Donations to the AfrECC Foundation help, for example:
The AfrECCFoundation (EIN: 99-1472828) is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizationand donations are tax-deductible in the United States to the full extent of thelaw. Donors will automatically receive an email receipt for their records.
Dr. David Fleischer serves as Chairman of the Board of the AfrECC Foundation. He is an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (for which he served as President); American Gastroenterologic Association and the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr.Fleischer has been given the Schindler Award by the ASGE, its highest honor. He is a Master in the American College of Physicians and he served as a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow in the United States Senate. He has been involved in projects related to esophageal cancer in China, Iran, and East Africa. He is acknowledged for his pioneering work with laser therapy for esophageal cancer; video endoscopy; capsule endoscopy; and radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's. He has published more than 300 original articles/editorials and edited several books. He has lectured extensively and has spoken on all seven continents, including Antarctica. He served in the United Sates Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Location:
Washington DC, USA
Title:
Emeritus Professor of Medicine Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Foundation Role:
Chairman, Board of Directors
Dr. Dawsey recently retired as a Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, where he worked for 36 years. During his time at NIH, his main focus was the prevention and control of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). He performed multiple studies in China, Iran, Brazil and East Africa to understand the etiology of this cancer globally in high-risk populations, and he helped develop clinically useful early detection and treatment techniques for this disease. With US and Chinese colleagues, he developed an endoscopic early detection and treatment program for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that is now used in a national program to screen over 200,000 adults annually in high-risk areas of China, and this program has been shown to reduce ESCC mortality by ~33% over 10 years. Most recently, he was a founding member of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), which was created to perform coordinated etiologic, early detection and treatment, and palliation studies to try to reduce the burden of ESCC in Africa. He is currently President of the Board of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium Foundation. Dr. Dawsey has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Harvard University and a Doctor of Medicine Degree from Stanford University.
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Location:
Washington DC area, USA
Title:
Retired Senior Investigator from the National Cancer Institute
Foundation Role:
President, Board of Directors
Dr. Violet Kayamba is specialised in internal medicine and gastroenterology. She is a member of the African Oesophageal Cancer Consortium steering committee. She is a founding fellow of the East, Central, and Southern African College of Physicians, and current president of the Zambia College of Gastroenterology and Nutrition. She is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research, the World Endoscopy Organisation, the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, the African Forum for Research and Education in Health, the Consortium of Universities for Global Health and the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World.
Location:
Lusaka, Zambia
Title:
Senior Lecturer, University of Zambia School of Medicine
Foundation Role:
Vice President, Board of Directors
Jim currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at PM Hotel Group, a leading hotel management company with a portfolio of over 90 properties across the United States. In this role, he oversees the company’s finance, accounting, tax, and information technology functions, supporting its continued national growth. A key member of the executive team for more than 17 years, Jim has been instrumental in shaping and executing the company’s financial strategy—balancing in-depth revenue analysis and forecasting with a focus on long-term value creation. Before transitioning into hospitality, Jim built a strong background in real estate development, specializing in industrial and flex properties. Earlier in his career, he spent a decade in public accounting, working on tax, audit, and consulting engagements and is currently a non-practicing CPA. Jim is also deeply committed to community service, having served as treasurer on several nonprofit boards.
Location:
Washington, DC area, USA
Title:
CFO, PM Hotel Group
Foundation Role:
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Ms. McCourt is a retired pharmaceutical and health care industry executive who enjoyed a career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing management with Merck, Astra Merck (now Astra Zeneca), and MGI Pharma (now Eisai) working on several blockbuster products: Mevacor, Prilosec, Cozaar. She established and led Alliance Management for Merck Medco and led Product Development and Employer Account Management for MedImpact Healthcare Systems. Since her retirement, Ms. McCourt contributes her time to nonprofit organizations focused on addressing serious healthcare issues, higher education, and the arts. She is Secretary of the Board for the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium Foundation. She is a Honorary Advisor and member of the Steering Committee for the Board of Advisors of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). She was Chair of the MFA Boston Associates from May 2019-2021 and Chair of the MFA Associates Advisory Board from May 2021-2023. Ms. McCourt is past-President of Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Foundation Board and past-Chair of its Finance Committee. Ms. McCourt has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from SMSU and a Masters in Business Administration Degree from Arizona State University.
Location:
Boston, MA, USA
Title:
Pharmaceutical marketing and sales executive (retired)
Foundation Role:
Secretary, Board of Directors
Lilly Alfonso, the visionary force behind the Lilly Alfonso brand, serves as our CEO, founder, and head designer. She embarked on her fashion journey in Malawi where fashion was still in its infancy. Against all odds, she defied limitations and rose to international acclaim. Beyond her role as a fashion pioneer, Lilly Alfonso is a motivational speaker, sharing her entrepreneurial and fashion journey at prestigious conferences throughout Africa. She believes in the power of collaboration and has fostered partnerships with artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds, transcending borders and cultures. Through the visionary 100 Year Plan initiative, Lilly Alfonso is committed to nurturing talent for generations to come. She firmly believes in passing down knowledge and inspiring aspiring designers to ensure the sustainability of African fashion. By providing platforms and mentorship opportunities, her company empowers emerging designers to realize their potential and showcase their talents. The ultimate aspiration is for the 100 Year Plan initiative to extend its reach across African communities, both on the continent and in the diaspora Lilly Alfonso's awe-inspiring designs have graced the runways of re- nowned international fashion shows across the world. From Portugal to Kigali, Cairo to Kuala Lumpur, Paris to London, and Sydney to count- less other fashion capitals, her creations have captivated audiences and garnered global acclaim.
Location:
Lilongwe, Malawi
Title:
CEO, Founder & Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso
Foundation Role:
Board Member
Vivian Kobusingye Birchall is the founder and CEO of Health Care Blind Spots Consulting, an initiative dedicated to identifying and addressing critical gaps in healthcare that are often overlooked by traditional systems. Through her pioneering work, Vivian is transforming the global healthcare landscape by advocating for equitable solutions that enhance the well-being of underserved populations. Her leadership fosters collaboration with industry leaders, governments, healthcare institutions, and academic organizations to uncover and tackle the challenges that hinder access to quality care. Born and raised in Uganda, Vivian's early career was shaped by her work with the National Planning Authority under the Ministry of Finance, where she played a key role in implementing African Union programs such as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and NEPAD. Her work in these initiatives gave her invaluable experience in comprehensive planning, cross-sector collaboration, and developing strategies to address systemic challenges across Africa. With deep knowledge and lived experience spanning both Africa and the United States, Vivian brings a unique perspective to her work. She seamlessly applies her expertise in global health, communication, and systems planning to bridge disparities and create innovative solutions tailored to diverse cultural, geographical, and economic contexts. A proud Harvard Medical School alumna, Vivian holds a Master of Science in Media, Medicine, and Health, where she developed her skills in using innovative communication to drive health system improvements. She is deeply passionate about strengthening healthcare systems, advancing health equity, and fostering sustainable growth in the health sector. Vivian’s leadership in addressing healthcare blind spots reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering communities, creating scalable solutions, and inspiring global change in the pursuit of accessible, effective, and inclusive healthcare for all.
Location:
Massachusetts, USA
Title:
Founder & CEO, Health Care Blind Spots Consulting
Foundation Role:
Board Member
Geoffrey Buckle, MD, MPH is a gastrointestinal (medical) oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). His research focuses on the etiology, early detection, and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Eastern Africa. Dr. Buckle earned his Medical Degree at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He completed Internal Medicine residency and a fellowship in Medical Oncology at UCSF. He also completed a Master’s degree in Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He is a recipient of the Bloomberg School of Public health MPH Capstone Award, theAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Benjamin H. Kean Fellowship in Tropical Medicine, the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Junior Clinical Investigator Award, and the Conquer Cancer Foundation / American Society of Clinical Oncology Global Oncology Young Investigator Award.
Location:
San Francisco, California, USA
Title:
Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Foundation Role:
Board member
Chloë Cooney has been leading global health policy and advocacy efforts for nearly 20 years. She currently serves as the Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, where she leads engagement with the U.S. Government. Prior to GAVI, Chloe worked at Planned Parenthood Global, the international arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), where she worked for more than a decade. Most recently, she served as the Senior Director of Strategy and Programs, where she oversaw programs to expand access to sexual and reproductive health and rights through innovative advocacy, service delivery and social norms strategies in 12 countries in Africa and Latin America. Previously, Chloe launched PPFA's foreign policy advocacy work where she interfaced with the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch and other key stakeholders to protect U.S. support for international family planning funding and policies. Before Planned Parenthood, Chloë helped launch several global health organizations and campaigns, including the Malaria Policy Center and the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases. She also worked in high-impact philanthropy, supporting donors to make strategic progressive policy investments. Chloe lives in Washington, DC with her wife and son.
Location:
Washington DC, USA
Title:
Director of U.S. Strategy for Gavi
Foundation Role:
Board member; Leader of Strategic Planning Task Force
A General Surgeon trained and working at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), the only tertiary and public referral hospital in the central region of Malawi with about 7 million people. A member of the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS) and the African esophageal cancer consortium (AFrECC). He has both diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy skills. He is involved in teaching medical students and surgical trainees and has published more than 20 scientific peer-reviewed articles. He is keen to develop and expand surgical education and clinical research in Malawi to provide safe surgery and improved patient care. A Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Malawi (now Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES)). A PhD candidate at the University of Bergen, Norway.
Location:
Lilongwe, Malawi
Title:
General Surgeon, Kamuzu Central Hospital
Foundation Role:
Board member
Prof. Diana Menya is a medical doctor with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Epidemiology and a doctorate in Environmental Health. She is a founding member of Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya, where has served as Chair of her department, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics and acting Dean School of Public Health. As a teacher and a researcher, she has vast experience in working in rural communities where she conducts her own research and supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate students in their research. She brings the perspective of a Clinician, an Epidemiologist and Environmental Health expert into her teaching, research, and community work. Prof. Menya’s research interests are in both non-communicable disease (NCD) and communicable diseases. Her NCD research for the past ten years has focused on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma which has a high incidence in both men and women in western Kenya. She is the Principal Investigator in a large NIH/NCI funded study in esophageal cancer in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). She is also the Eldoret site coordinator for the Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Africa Prevention Research (ESCCAPE), working with Tanzania and Malawi. She is a founding member of African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), started by a group of researchers to coordinate etiologic and molecular studies of on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Africa. She is serving as a board member of The AfrECC Foundation since June, 2024.
Location:
Eldoret, Kenya
Title:
Epidemiologist, Moi University
Foundation Role:
Board member
Dr. Beatrice Paul Mushi is a distinguished Public Health Specialist and researcher specialized in the field of cancer in Tanzania. Currently serving as the Program Manager for the collaborative Cancer Program between Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and the University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF). Dr. Mushi’s expertise spans a wide range of area, including research, training, patient advocacy and capacity building, all aimed at advancing cancer care-related initiatives. Dr. Mushi holds both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from MUHAS. Additionally, she is certified in Project management for Developing Projects for Professionals by Crown Agents in London, UK and a WomenLift Health one year Leadership Program Cohort 2 Alumni. Her extensive experience in research project management includes oversight of a diverse portfolio of multidisciplinary projects oncology, radiology, surgery, pathology, nursing and epidemiology. As a Principal Investigator, Co-investigator and Trainee mentor to various projects, Dr. Mushi has made significant contributions to advocacy and development of interventions for cancer care in Tanzania. She supervises a dedicated team of Clinicians Research Coordinators, scholars and acts as a liaison among trainees, faculty and international partners across East Africa and beyond. Dr. Mushi oversees the D43 Cancer Research Training Program in Tanzania (CRTP-TZ), and supports the day-to-day activities of programs affiliated with CreDO, Fogarty and GloCal Health Fellowship awardees, fostering the next generation of cancer researchers. As the one of the founding members and former Chair of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC), Dr. Mushi is actively engaged in etiology, clinical, and Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) on esophageal cancer. In addition, she is a member of the AfrECC Steering Committee and the AfrECC Foundation Board. Her passion for cancer research extends to mentoring emerging leaders in the field, emphasizing hands-on training to advance knowledge, enhancing capacity, leadership development, and improving cancer care in Tanzania and broader East African Region.
Location:
Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania
Title:
Program Manager, Cancer Collaboration Program, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ocean Road Cancer Institute, and University of California San Francisco (MUHAS-ORCI-UCSF)
Foundation Role:
Board member
Dr Michael Mwachiro is a Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist based at Avenue HealthCare in Nairobi, Kenya. He is also the Vice President of the Surgical Society of Kenya and Chair of the Education and Research committee for the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). Dr Mwachiro is also a Co-Chair of the African Organization for Research and Training (AORTIC) Education and Training committee. He is a founder member of the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC) and The AFrECC Foundation. He is an alumnus of the African Cancer Leaders Institute (ACLI) and the FOGARTY UCSF Global Fellowship program. He is actively involved in mentoring upcoming researchers through the African Cancer STARs Program - The Strategic Training Achievements for Research Success as well as the UCSF CHESA - The Center for Health Equity in Surgery and Anesthesia Fellowship program. His research interests are focused on surgical education and Gastrointestinal malignancies with an emphasis on esophageal cancer. He carried out the first screening study for esophageal cancer in Africa using Lugol’s Chromoendoscopy in collaboration with the US National Cancer Institute and Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an Associate Member of the ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators as well as a COSECSA master trainer. He is engaged in endoscopy training in both basic and advanced techniques in the region. Dr Mwachiro has published widely on esophageal cancer palliation, early detection and treatment and is also an author of a book – Reflections on Mentorship. He is the Deputy editor of the East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Assistant editor for the Annals of African Surgery, International editorial board member for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Editorial board member for SURGERY Journal and Associate Editor Diseases of the Esophagus.
Location:
Nairobi, Kenya
Title:
Consultant General Surgeon and Interventional Endoscopist, Avenue HealthCare
Foundation Role:
Board member
Ike Ogbuebile is a seasoned corporate strategist, media analyst, and certified executive trainer whose experience spans across diverse sectors with over two decades in transformational leadership, people development, and organizational performance. He has provided consulting services for international clients in the private and public sectors. He currently serves as CEO of Autism Ally Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. Ike previously served as the Director of Operations for the Creative Africa Exchange (CAX), a platform aimed at fostering collaboration and success among creatives across Africa. CAX was working to secure a $2 billion investment from Afreximbank to support Africa’s burgeoning creative economy. Proficient in engaging diverse audiences, enhancing campaigns, building relationships, and talent management. He is adept at simplifying complex strategic objectives and executing them effectively. He holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Middlesex University in London, England and studied at Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Location:
Washington DC area, USA
Title:
Founder & CEO, Encase Consulting
Foundation Role:
Board member
John A. Sims Jr. is the President and CEO of AJS Consulting Company, LLC. The firm has three management consulting practice areas: BioPharma, Financial Institutions, and High Technology companies. He was an executive in the high technology sector and led 12 mergers and acquisitions for the General Electric company. He taught as an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University and Babson College’s Graduate School of Business. He served as an administrator for 27 years at Bentley University and also held an appointment as an Assistant Professor in the marketing department. He serves as the Co-Chair of the Homeland Security Science & Technology Advisory Council (HSSTAC) for the United States. He is a graduate of Glennville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Location:
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Title:
President and CEO of AJS Consulting Company, LLC.
Foundation Role:
Board member
Mark Topazian is a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine. He has practiced and taught medicine at Yale University, the Mayo Clinic, and in multiple sub-Saharan African countries. For the past five years, he and his wife Janet have lived and worked in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Location:
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Title:
Gastroenterologist
Foundation Role:
Board member
Dr. Jerome D. Waye is a pioneer in the field of endoscopy, having developed many of the techniques used in colonoscopy. He is a renowned teacher of endoscopy and has introduced the concept of remote training to bring knowledge of endoscopy to underdeveloped areas of the world. While an undergraduate at MIT, he was coxswain of the winning crew at the Henley Royal Regatta. He has written over 200 scientific papers and authored/edited 7 books including the Best Scientific Book Award for “Colonoscopy, Principles and Practice”. He was president of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American College of Gastroenterology and the World Endoscopy Organization. He retired after 61 years at the Mount Sinai Hospital and is an Emeritus Professor in Medicine and in Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Location:
New York area, USA
Title:
Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Mt Sinai, New York
Foundation Role:
Board member; Leader of the Remote Endoscopic Teaching Task Force
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