Douglas Mushinge
Health Economist & Public Health Leader
With over 14 years of experience designing and strengthening health systems across Africa, I work at the intersection of evidence, finance, and policy to advance health equity and resilience.
I work with governments, development partners, and research institutions to translate complex data into actionable policy, mobilize sustainable health financing, and build resilient systems that deliver equitable health outcomes.
I believe that evidence-based leadership, strategic partnerships, and locally-led solutions are essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage and advancing Africa’s health sovereignty.
Douglas collaborates with governments and global agencies to translate evidence into actionable health policy. These partnerships drive the sustainable financing and technical rigor necessary to build equitable health systems across Africa.
My Journey in Health Systems
My career began on the front lines of public health as a District Health Information Officer in Zambia, where I supported 34 health facilities and saw firsthand how data—or the lack of it— shapes health outcomes.
This foundational experience ignited my passion for the intersection of economics, evidence, and policy. I pursued advanced studies in Health Economics and Public Policy, earning master’s degrees from the University of Cape Town and the University of Oxford.
Today, I lead high-impact projects that bridge research, financing, and policy reform. From advising the Zambian Ministry of Health on health insurance reforms to shaping global NCD financing advocacy and leading national investment cases for UNFPA, my work is dedicated to making health systems more resilient, equitable, and financially sustainable.
I am currently the Team Lead for the Immunisation Financing Assessment Project with NHRA and UNICEF, and serve as a Senior Health Economist & Country Lead for the CRUK-KIVU Regional Health Financing Project.
My Guiding Principles
My work is guided by principles that keep things clear and aligned with what actually works.
- Evidence-Driven Action: Policy and investment must be grounded in rigorous analysis and local data.
- Equity as a Imperative: Health systems should serve everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
- Sustainable Solutions: Financing and reforms must be designed for long-term resilience, not short-term fixes.
- Collaborative Leadership: Lasting change is built through partnership, dialogue, and shared ownership.
- African-Led Innovation: The future of Africa’s health sovereignty depends on local expertise and leadership.
Let’s advance health equity together