Mary Wairimu Kariuki
Nairobi
Summary
Experienced public health specialist with a track record in implementing large-scale, complex public health programs in the public and private sectors. Skilled in data-driven and evidence-based approaches to drive successful outcomes. Held technical leadership roles such as Deputy Chief of Party for the Afya Jijini Project with IMA World Health and more recently as a Regional Senior Technical Advisor in HIV with FHI360. Provided technical assistance in developing tools, guidelines, and policies to foster stakeholder engagement and ensure effective implementation. Expertise in planning, budgeting, and executing work plans, gained through foundational years in health research. Building strong relationships with Ministries of Health and international donors has been a key aspect of work. Proven ability to secure funding for technical proposals and facilitate project start-ups. Leadership, team management, and communication skills consistently drive sustainable health improvements and strengthen health systems worldwide.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
REGIONAL SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISOR- HIV DEPARTMENT
FHI360
05.2022 - Current
- I provide technical assistance backstop in HIV prevention, care, and treatment to Global KP EpiC project to countries in Asia and Africa
- Contributed in the development of harm reduction guidelines and National strategic plan to combat drugs (Plan Strategique Nationale de Lutte Contre Les Drogues)
- Supported Total. Quality, Leadership ad Accountability (TQLA) support to the Global Fund supported National Aligned HIV/AIDS Initiative (GF NAHI) project in Nigeria, Anambra and Ebonyi states reaching 3,454,163 people with HIV tests and 1,111,268 women with PMTCT service.
- Supported ten countries across Africa in implementation of the decentralized drug distribution of ARVs (DDD) that was initiated under the USAID Sustainable Financing Initiative (SFI)
- A member of the technical support team for test to treat (T2T) for COVID 19 initiative in five FHI360 implementation countries while backstopping Malawi for the same, where we collaborated with MOH to develop case management guidelines.
- Supported the successful startup for Epic Uganda COVID Vaccine program where I mobilized partners for countrywide coverage, improving vaccination coverage to 52% countrywide and setting up systems for future vaccination outreaches.
CONSULTANT
CORUS INTERNATIONAL
07.2021 - 08.2021
- Company Overview: Anticipated USAID Kenya HSS Bid
- Supported in country scoping and partnership engagement in preparation for the upcoming USAID Kenya health system strengthening bid
DEPUTY CHIEF OF PARTY
IMA WORLDHEALTH
12.2016 - 05.2021
- Through my leadership and efforts, the $52 million Afya Jijini project achieved significant impact, facilitating ARV treatment for 47,616 patients, reaching 73,223 girls through the DREAMS initiative, and ensuring 280,357 pregnant women received care from Skilled Birth Attendants. In addition, addressing diarrhea disease in Nairobi's informal settlements through a robust WASH program.
- As technical lead, I oversaw the implementation of high - quality integrated health services in Nairobi County and other counties in Central Kenya,
- Strengthened partnerships, working with over seven local organization and capacity building them to be primary recipients of USAID funds.
- Leveraged data for informed decision-making, resulting in measurable improvements at community and facility, supporting over 50 facilities in Nairobi to have work improvement teams.
DIRECTOR, HIV / TB COAST COUNTIES
PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL
06.2016 - 11.2016
- Company Overview: AFYA PWANI PROJECT, JUNE 2016- JUNE 2021 (USAID FUNDED)
- I provided leadership and strategic direction for a program that reached 44,930 patients on ARV treatment across five coastal counties in Kenya: Lamu, Taita -Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, and Mombasa
- I improved access to HIV care through targeted strategies and resource allocation, ensuring the delivery of quality HIV services in underserved regions and driving positive health outcomes
- I successfully coordinated the transition and startup of the Afya Pwani project as an integral member of the senior management team
- I provided strategic direction and technical oversight for HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support, ensuring smooth implementation and alignment with project objectives
- I led project monitoring and reporting efforts, ensuring accountability and adherence to performance standards, and mentored and supervised a high-performing HIV program team
- Additionally, I directly managed a team of 10 HIV program staff, contributing to the project's success and operational efficiency
- AFYA PWANI PROJECT, JUNE 2016- JUNE 2021 (USAID FUNDED)
ACTING CHIEF OF PARTY
PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL
04.2016 - 06.2016
- Company Overview: APHIA PLUS Nairobi - Coast Project (USAID funded), August 2011 - June 2016 (USAID Funded)
- I provided strategic leadership during the transition period, ensuring continuity and stability for the projects
- I delivered timely and accurate reports to the donor and Pathfinder International headquarters, maintaining accountability and transparency
- I fostered strong partnerships with collaborating partners, strengthening relationships critical to the project's success, and supported the senior management team in strategic decision-making
- Additionally, I successfully oversaw the closure of the APHIA PLUS Project while preparing for the startup of the Afya Pwani initiative
- APHIA PLUS Nairobi - Coast Project (USAID funded), August 2011 - June 2016 (USAID Funded)
DIRECTOR, HIV / TB COAST COUNTIES APHIA PLUS
Pathfinder International
11.2015 - 03.2016
- Trained and guided a 17 strong team of program staff across five counties, to provide high quality HIV/TB programs.
- Strengthened collaborations for sector wide HIV program approach with the Ministry of Agriculture to improve adherence for supported clients.
- Established use of technology and scaled up Frontline SMS reminders for patients on treatment.
- Improved reach of services for clients, led community distribution of ARVs, strengthened PMTCT programs. ,
SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISOR APHIA PLUS N-C
PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL
02.2013 - 10.2015
- Collaborated with community based organizations and community leadership to strengthen community-facility linkages for robust service delivery systems.
- Participated and contributed to county annual work plans (AWPs) development and assisted in piloting the national harmonized HIV training curriculum.
- Led HIV prevention programs for youth, key populations, and voluntary medical male circumcision.
- Led integration of reproductive health services into HIV care, and improved TB diagnostics, contributing to national HIV, RH, and TB guidelines development.
SERVICE DELIVERY SPECIALIST –APHIA PLUS NAIROBI
PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL
08.2011 - 01.2013
- Led facility-based implementation across Nairobi Province, improving access to clinical services and health information in urban informal settlements.
- Provided technical guidance on planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring, ensuring project success.
- Built a high-performing service delivery team,
- Fostered strategic partnerships with government ministries and stakeholders, and contributed to PMTCT and VMMC technical working groups, influencing policy development and program monitoring at the national level.
SERVICE DELIVERY SPECIALIST – NAIROBI APHIA II
Pathfinder International
02.2010 - 07.2011
- Worked closely with implementing partners, the provincial health management team (PHMT), and district HMTs to ensure quality service delivery.
- Facilitated the integration of clinical and community services, coordinating HIV/TB/RH/FP treatment, care, and support programs, including PMTCT, to strengthen health systems at provincial and district levels.
- Led successful integration of youth-friendly services, expanding HIV prevention and reproductive health outreach to young people.
SERVICE DELIVERY SPECIALIST-APHIAII NAIROBI/CENTR
Pathfinder International
02.2008 - 01.2010
- Led facility-based service delivery in Nairobi and Central regions
- Supervised human resources for health to implement quality improvement initiatives, and leveraged data for decision-making for quality programs.
- Implemented a short-term UNICEF funding for the Baby-Friendly Community and Hospital Initiatives in Thika District.
- Contributed to the development of national mentorship, HIV, and PMTCT guidelines, enhancing care quality and standardization.
SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER
ICAP, KENYA
09.2006 - 01.2008
- Company Overview: Multi-country Columbia Antiretroviral Program (MCAP), Kenya
- I leveraged strong relationships with the Provincial Health Management Team (PHMT) and stakeholders across Central Province to successfully establish the HIV/AIDS program, initially at five high-volume sites and later scaling up to 50
- I collaborated with Provincial and District Health Management Teams (P/DHMT) to set up and strengthen HIV care and treatment systems, applying national guidelines and an academic approach from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health
- I supervised a multidisciplinary team, including Program Officers in clinical, laboratory, and pharmacy, to ensure project objectives were met
- I introduced standard of care (SOC) indicators to monitor quality improvement and led efforts to strengthen reporting mechanisms from supported facilities
- Additionally, I provided initial HIV training for facility and community-based healthcare workers
- Multi-country Columbia Antiretroviral Program (MCAP), Kenya
CONSULTANT
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC RESEARCH CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
11.2005 - 11.2006
- Site start up for study site at Thika town including writing up of SOP for research purposes and community mobilization.
DISTRICT MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH, THIKA DISTRICT
MINISTRY OF HEALTH, KENYA
06.2005 - 08.2006
- Coordinated Ministry of Health service delivery activities across the larger Thika District, to a population of approximately 1 million.
- Supervised over 800 diverse and multi disciplinary health workers cadres.
- I provided financial, administrative, and technical leadership, to implement the district health plan and an annual budget of approximately Ksh 50 million. Achievement include: construction of the District Medical Officer of Health (DMOH) block in Thika and the Kiandutu Health Center, through joint partnerships with stakeholders such as the European Union, local government, treasury, and the Ministry of Health
DISTRICT MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH, MURANG'A DISTRICT
MINISTRY OF HEALTH, KENYA
10.2004 - 05.2005
- Coordinated Ministry of Health activities in the district, serving a target population of 350,000, and with an annual budget of approximately Ksh 15 million for the district health work plan
- Achievement included: infrastructural improvements at Murang'a District Hospital, which was subsequently voted the cleanest in the country, and revitalized stalled projects at Muririranja Sub-District Hospital
SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER
MBAGATHI DISTRICT HOSPITAL
01.2004 - 10.2004
- Headed the Tuberculosis referral outpatient clinic, overseeing all operations and service delivery
- I initiated diagnostic testing and counseling (DTC) for HIV among TB patients, improving early detection and referral for TB co-infected patients to the Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC), ensuring seamless service delivery
- Additionally, i increased demand for TB and HIV services through targeted patient education, enhancing awareness and engagement in both programs
CONSULTANT
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION OF MIGRATION (IOM)
06.2003 - 07.2003
- Company Overview: Angola Returnees Repatriation Project
- I was responsible for establishment of coordinated medical screening of 20,000 Angolan returnees targeted for repatriation to Cazombo, Moxico Province in Angola from the Meheba camp, Solwezi, Zambia
- I worked with UNHCR, Ministry of Health in Northwestern Zambia, MSF, and the community stakeholders in Zambia and Cazombo in Angola, to ensure safe passage and settlement of the returnees
CONSULTANT
IOM
06.2002 - 01.2003
- Company Overview: Somali Bantu Project
- Coordination of medical screening and movement by air transfer of 680 medically vulnerable Somali Bantu (elderly, pregnant mothers, and children) targeted for repatriation to the USA
- Coordination of successful medical screening and road transfer of 12000 medically vulnerable Somali Bantu refugees including women and young children under five years old from Dadaab in Northeastern Province to Kakuma in Turkana District
- Wrote the final medical report on the Somali Bantu project
CONSULTANT
PURPLE HEARTS INTERNATIONAL
03.2002 - 06.2002
- Medical management of clients
- Pre-employment, pre-placement, and other medical examinations to target population
CONSULTANT
NARESA
12.2002 - 12.2002
- Company Overview: UNICEF funded PMTCT Project
- Supervision and training of Field data collection personnel, conducted focus group discussion and Key person Interviews during evaluation of the PMTCT project based in Karatina, data analysis and writing of findings,
MEDICAL OFFICER
KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL AND MBAGATHI DISTRICT
10.1997 - 12.1999
- I completed my internship for the Kenya Registration Certificate as a General Practitioner, gaining comprehensive clinical experience
- Following this, I was appointed as a Medical Officer of Health, where I took on the responsibility of overseeing public health initiatives and service delivery
Education
MBA - Business And Leadership
MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY/ COPEN HAGEN BS
Nairobi08-2015
Master of Public Health (MPH) - Public Health
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
Nairobi12-2005
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) - Medicine And Surgery
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
NAIROBI10-1997
Skills
- Technical Leadership in HIV Care
- Program Management and Implementation
- Public Health Program and Resource Management
- Partnership Building and Stakeholder Engagement
- Health Systems Strengthening
- Data - Driven Decision Making
- Team Supervision and Capacity Building
- Proposal development
- Strategic Planning and Donor Reporting
- Quality improvement
Timeline
REGIONAL SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISOR- HIV DEPARTMENT
FHI360
05.2022 - Current
CONSULTANT
CORUS INTERNATIONAL
07.2021 - 08.2021
DEPUTY CHIEF OF PARTY
IMA WORLDHEALTH
12.2016 - 05.2021
DIRECTOR, HIV / TB COAST COUNTIES
PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL
06.2016 - 11.2016
ACTING CHIEF OF PARTY
PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL
04.2016 - 06.2016
DIRECTOR, HIV / TB COAST COUNTIES APHIA PLUS
Pathfinder International
11.2015 - 03.2016
SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISOR APHIA PLUS N-C
PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL
02.2013 - 10.2015
SERVICE DELIVERY SPECIALIST –APHIA PLUS NAIROBI
PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL
08.2011 - 01.2013
SERVICE DELIVERY SPECIALIST – NAIROBI APHIA II
Pathfinder International
02.2010 - 07.2011
SERVICE DELIVERY SPECIALIST-APHIAII NAIROBI/CENTR
Pathfinder International
02.2008 - 01.2010
SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER
ICAP, KENYA
09.2006 - 01.2008
CONSULTANT
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC RESEARCH CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
11.2005 - 11.2006
DISTRICT MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH, THIKA DISTRICT
MINISTRY OF HEALTH, KENYA
06.2005 - 08.2006
DISTRICT MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH, MURANG'A DISTRICT
MINISTRY OF HEALTH, KENYA
10.2004 - 05.2005
SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER
MBAGATHI DISTRICT HOSPITAL
01.2004 - 10.2004
CONSULTANT
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION OF MIGRATION (IOM)
06.2003 - 07.2003
CONSULTANT
NARESA
12.2002 - 12.2002
CONSULTANT
IOM
06.2002 - 01.2003
CONSULTANT
PURPLE HEARTS INTERNATIONAL
03.2002 - 06.2002
MEDICAL OFFICER
KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL AND MBAGATHI DISTRICT
10.1997 - 12.1999
MBA - Business And Leadership
MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY/ COPEN HAGEN BS
Master of Public Health (MPH) - Public Health
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) - Medicine And Surgery
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
Quote
Success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.
Coco Chanel
Publications/ Abstracts
- M W Kariuki, E Njagi, P Thottingal, A Ferguson, E Ngugi. Syndromic flow chart: How effective is the vaginal discharge algorithm used for diagnosis of vaginitis in Kenya? XV International AIDS Conference, 2004 Jul 11; 6(3); Abstract no. MoPeB3160.
- M W Kariuki, E Ngugi, A Ferguson, E Njagi, P Thottingal. How suitable is the flow chart used in the diagnosis of urethritis in Kenya? XV International AIDS Conference, 2004 Abstract no. B12175.
- M. kariuki, D. Nyukuri, S. Orina, D. Wendo, T. Simiyu, S. Byrne, S. Duberstein, C. Bennett: Successes in the rapid implementation of the HIV test and treat approach in a high burden setting – a view from Nairobi, Kenya; 2018 IAS Amsterdam.
- P S A Ambundo-Onduso, M Kariuki, C B D Nyaberi, J Mabuka, N W Macharia, P Muthoni, H Mabubi, J N Githuku: Integrating facility and community youth friendly services initiative- Ruiru model in Kenya. 2011 International Conference on FP, Dakar. Poster No. 139.
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