Dr. Leonard Naphazi Kambewa

2026-2027 Obama Foundation Africa Leader

Headshot of Dr. Leonard Naphazi Kambewa, 2026-2027 Obama Foundation Africa Leader

Medical Doctor and Implementation Scientist, Ministry of Health

Malawi

Dr. Leonard Naphazi Kambewa is a medical doctor and implementation scientist with the Malawi Ministry of Health, where he strengthens primary healthcare systems and maternal and newborn outcomes in rural, resource-constrained settings. During the 2023 Cyclone Freddy, Leonard coordinated emergency health services for over 50,000 displaced people and reduced cholera case fatality rates in his district through rigorous surveillance and frontline training. His leadership is fueled by the resilience he witnesses in rural mothers and health workers who persevere despite systemic inequities. His goal now is to move beyond district-level leadership and help shape national policies that strengthen community-based healthcare and long-term health resilience.

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The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

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