New leadership to advance the professionalisation of digital health and health informatics across Africa

13 July 2026 — The Pan African Health Informatics Association (HELINA) is pleased to announce its new Board of Governors for the 2026-2029 leadership term.

The incoming Board comprises:

• Mr Sosthenes E. Bagumhe – President
• Dr Rajeev Rao – General Secretary
• Dr Sam Musariri – Treasurer

The appointments mark an important leadership transition for HELINA as the association continues its work to advance digital health and health informatics across Africa. The new Board will provide strategic leadership to the association and support stronger collaboration among health informatics professionals, governments, academic institutions, development partners and other stakeholders.

During its term, the Board will guide HELINA’s efforts to promote the professionalisation of digital health and health informatics, strengthen capacity development, encourage research and knowledge exchange, and support the implementation of sustainable, standards-based and interoperable digital health systems.

These priorities reflect HELINA’s mandate to support African countries in their digital health transformation through professional development, evidence generation, responsible investment and effective implementation of digital health interventions. (HELINA)

HELINA also extends its sincere appreciation to Mr Steven Wanyee Macharia, the Immediate Outgoing President, for his leadership, dedication and contribution to the growth of the association.

Mr Wanyee will continue contributing to HELINA through the Advisory Council, supporting leadership continuity and providing strategic guidance to the incoming Board. (HELINA)

HELINA congratulates the new Board of Governors and looks forward to working with its members, national health informatics associations and partners to advance inclusive, ethical and sustainable digital health transformation throughout Africa.

About HELINA

Health Informatics in Africa, commonly known as HELINA, is the Pan-African Health Informatics Association and the African regional representative of the International Medical Informatics Association.

HELINA promotes the professionalisation of digital health and health informatics through research, education, capacity building, professional development, strategic partnerships and the implementation of standards-based digital health solutions that respond to Africa’s healthcare needs.

Further information about the leadership is available on HELINA’s official Leadership and Governance page.