Global Health Expert Interviews: Dr. Lilian Mbau

Описание: Dr. Lilian Mbau is Lilian Mbau is a physician and global public health leader specializing in cardiovascular disease prevention and noncommunicable diseases across Africa. Her work spans national and regional roles with Amref Health Africa, the Kenya Cardiac Society, and the World Heart Federation, where she has led multi-country initiatives on CVD guidelines, secondary prevention, health system strengthening, and digital models of care in Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Currently Dr. Mbau is based in Kenya.


Learn more about Dr. Mbau here: https://world-heart-federation.org/ne...



Reflection Questions:


1. Career pathways

Dr. Mbau describes entering HIV programs because that was where opportunities existed, while gradually shifting toward her long-term focus on NCDs and cardiovascular health.

What does her experience suggest about flexibility, timing, and transferable skills in global health careers?

2. Adapting evidence to context

Dr. Mbau explains that global CVD and NCD guidelines often come from high-income settings and must be adapted to local realities in Kenya and other African countries.

What challenges does she identify in translating global evidence into practice, and why are local data and sustainability so important?

3. Systems, technology, and partnerships

Throughout the interview, Dr. Mbau emphasizes health systems, digital tools, and trust-based partnerships.

What examples show that technology and innovation only work when embedded in strong health systems and collaborations?