As a dedicated Nigerian medical professional, Chioma Nwakanma-Akanno has observed a profound divide between healthcare providers and the public, leading to harmful medical practices that unknowingly affect countless lives in Africa.
Her unwavering commitment revolves around utilising the power of social media, research, and data science to champion public health education, advocacy, and civic engagement. Her ultimate goal is to bridge the health gap across Africa and fortify our healthcare systems.
With a background as a medical doctor, writer, accomplished public speaker, and adept digital media strategist, Chioma has cultivated a remarkable track record of transformative community initiatives. Her journey has been one of harnessing the ever-evolving realm of social media to cultivate discussions, catalyse policy changes, and ignite impactful shifts, particularly within healthcare.
As the founder of the Smile With Me Foundation, she leads a team of health enthusiasts who are poised to inspire a healthier Africa through public health education, health aids and intervention programmes.
SMILE stands for Saving Many Important Lives Everyday. This is their motto, and this embodies their mission. They are passionately doing their bit to promote good health and well-being for people of all ages- Sustainable Development Goal 3.
During her current tenure as the communications director at #DrZobo, she has orchestrated resonant social media campaigns that have captured widespread attention, prompting insightful dialogues on pivotal health concerns. Her aptitude for crafting compelling content, harnessing data-driven insights, and nurturing virtual communities has consistently translated into heightened awareness and fervent advocacy for critical healthcare initiatives.
Nwakanma-Akanno is immensely proud to have served as a digital health influencer and ambassador for prestigious organisations such as UNICEF Nigeria, UNDP Geneva GSIV, and ICFJ Knights Fellows. These collaborations have afforded her the opportunity to drive vital conversations on health policy and healthcare access, both regionally and globally.
Her passion for fostering dialogues on pressing healthcare matters has led her to facilitate and moderate numerous health policy conversations within Nigeria, including the first ever health sector roundtable by the 9th Nigerian Federal House of Representatives, effectively bridging the gap between medical expertise and public discourse.
Chioma’s passion lies in advancing the sexual and reproductive health and rights of underserved women and adolescents, centering on three vital pillars: Cervical cancer care, menstrual hygiene management, and STI prevention.
Her success extends beyond the digital realm, as she has adeptly designed, overseen, and executed non-profit community health programmes both online and offline.
Chioma’s proficient communication skills, strong critical thinking, and wide-reaching networking abilities make her a valuable addition to any collaborative team. She is a Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni.
