Imelda Mahaka

Biography

Imelda has spent the last 3 years working to expand access to quality health services for marginalised populations both at policy and individual levels. She is the Executive Director for Pangaea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust, a local nongovernmental organisation that focuses on the health and well-being of communities affected and infected with HIV. She provides strategic support, thought leadership and oversight of PZAT Programs. Imelda recognises that local leadership is central to forging resilient health and community systems in the response to HIV. As such, she has prioritized partnering with local structures and communities to promote ownership and sustainability of health interventions. A graduate of social work, she studied at the University of Zimbabwe.

Imelda serves on AfroCAB as a strong advocate who spent the last two years advocating for robust treatment for people living with HIV, participating in global engagements lobbying for greater community engagement around their health.
Earlier in her career, Imelda worked as a social scientist mainly with adolescent girls and young women to reduce HIV incidence while empowering young women with life skills and sexuality education as well as economic livelihoods.
Expertise:
Health, health delivery, adolescent girls and young women, livelihoods, key populations health interventions, advocacy, policy advocacy