CCIH 2026 Regional Meeting Speaker Bios

Speaker Bios

Day 1: 21 April

Welcome: Doug Fountain, CCIH Executive Director and David Sutherland, ICM Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair

Mr. Doug Fountain serves as CCIH Executive Director. Doug brings over 30 years of experience in health services planning, research, and evaluation and over 20 years in the faith-based and international development sectors. He served in Executive Leadership at Medical Teams International, a relief-focused NGO, and with Uganda Christian University, where he lived for over eight years. He helped start the Christian Health Asset Mapping Consortium, the Christian Journal for Global Health, and the Faculty of Health Sciences at Uganda Christian University.

Mr. David Sutherland is CEO and Board Chair of International Care Ministries (ICM), a faith-based nonprofit focused on ending ultra-poverty. Since 1999, he has helped grow ICM into a multi-million-dollar organization serving millions through partnerships with local churches, primarily in the Philippines. Previously, he was CFO of Morgan Stanley Asia Pacific and a managing director overseeing tax operations. Sutherland brings private-sector expertise to mission-driven work, integrating data, strategy, and faith to deliver measurable impact.

Devotion: Dr. Ellaine Joseph, Health and Safety Director, ICM

Dr. Ellaine Joseph serves as Health and Safety Director at ICM, where she leads efforts to promote community health, safety, and well-being among vulnerable populations. A physician with experience in frontline care and public health, she has contributed to ICM’s evidence-based programs addressing poverty, nutrition, and disease prevention. Dr. Joseph is also engaged in research and health education initiatives, helping integrate practical health interventions with faith-based community outreach.

Sponsor Message: Dan Chong, AIA LEED AP, International Development Southeast Asia, Engineering Ministries International

Mr. Dan Chong, AIA, LEED AP, serves with Engineering Ministries International (EMI) in Southeast Asia, where he leads design and development projects that support health, education, and community infrastructure. A licensed architect with expertise in sustainable design, he integrates technical excellence with culturally appropriate, mission-driven solutions. Through EMI, Mr. Chon partners with local organizations to strengthen facilities and systems that serve vulnerable communities, bringing a holistic approach that combines professional practice, environmental stewardship, and faith-informed service.

Session #1 Empowered to Lead

Moderator: David Sutherland, International Care Ministries, ICM Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair

Learning Leaders: Lessons from the Frontlines of Care: Mr. Christopher Peter, Communication Department Lead, Christian Medical Association of India

Mr. Christopher Peter serves as Head of Communications at CMAI, a healthcare NGO in India, bringing over 18 years of experience across corporate communications, advertising, international NGOs, CSR, and faith-based organizations. He holds a degree in English and a postgraduate qualification in Media and PR. He has led creative campaigns in branding and fundraising and currently spearheads the “Missions IsPossible” campaign highlighting mission hospitals in India. Mr. Peter volunteers with the Lausanne Movement and lives in New Delhi

Collaborative Leadership for Christian Academic Healthcare Institutions: Insights from a Multi-pronged engagement – an initiative led by Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, Dr. Anne Jennifer Prabhu, MD, Christian Medical College Vellore, Professor of Pathology and Deputy Director of Missions

Dr. Anne Jennifer Prabhu, MD, is a Pathologist by training and works at CMC Vellore as the the Deputy Director of Missions. She has been widely published and is an invited speaker at many conferences. She has a great heart for missions and believes in the transforming influence of Christian healthcare. In her role with the Department of Missions, she contributes to the institution’s outreach and mission activities.

Session #2 Practical Preparedness: Ensuring Continuity Through Crisis

Moderator: Doug Fountain, Executive Director, CCIH

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gina Samaan, Regional Emergency Director, Regional Office for the Western Pacific, World Health Organization

Dr. Gina Samaan, Ph.D., MAppEpid, is Regional Emergency Director for the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Region. She is an infectious disease epidemiologist and has worked with WHO at country, regional, and headquarters levels. She has also worked or consulted with organizations including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USAID, DFAT Australia, IOM, and RTI International. Her work has included global initiatives on pandemic preparedness, genomic surveillance, and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework.

Building Resilient Christian Health Systems in India: A CMAI Case Study on Preparedness, Collaboration, and Climate Stewardship

Speakers:

Dr. Abhijeet Sangma Barooah, MBBS, MPhil, Secretary/Doctors Section, Christian Medical Association of India

Dr. Abhijeet Sangma Barooah is a medical professional and public health leader with over 20 years of experience in program management, capacity building, and advocacy in the Christian healthcare sector. He serves as Secretary of the Doctors Section at CMAI and Executive Director of the Christian Coalition for Health (CCH). He has led disaster preparedness training across India and works with over 275 Christian hospitals to strengthen health systems and promote compassionate, community-based care.

Mrs. Elsy John, MBA, Secretary, Administrators Section, Christian Medical Association of India

Mrs. Elsy John serves as the Secretary of the Administrators Section of CMAI. With 15 years of dedicated service in the mission healthcare sector, she works closely with administrators from over 250 mission hospitals across India. Professionally trained in Finance and Administration, she is passionate about strengthening healthcare leadership, promoting organizational excellence, and building sustainable systems in faith-based hospitals. She plays a key role in capacity building, training initiatives, and collaborative network development within the Christian healthcare community.

Mrs. Roseline Sagar, MPH, Consultant, Christian Medical Association of India

Mrs. Roseline Sagar is a public health professional with an education in laboratory technology and public health. She has nine years of grassroots experience in public health nutrition, health system strengthening, project management, monitoring, and evaluation. She has worked with CMAI for the past three years.

Session #3 Research as Ministry: Transforming Health Through Discovery

Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Hatzfeld, PhD, Regional Network Director, Meros Center

Dr. Jennifer Hatzfeld is the Regional Network Director for the Meros Center, which is a global research and training community for Christian health ministries. She retired in 2022 from the U.S. Air Force after twenty-seven years on active duty, first as a clinical nurse, then managing population health before completing her PhD in Nursing in 2009 at Johns Hopkins University. As a researcher, she focused on trauma as well as the prevention and management of chronic diseases. During her Air Force career, Colonel Hatzfeld also served as Executive Director of the TriService Nursing Research Program and the Director of Nursing Operations.

Speakers:

Dr. Jolly S. Balila, Ph.D., Director, Research, Adventist University of the Philippines

Dr. Jolly S. Balila, Ph.D., serves as Research Director at the Adventist University of the Philippines. She is a professor of research and statistics and has contributed to academic studies in education, organizational behavior, and research methods. She holds degrees in mathematics and education, including a Ph.D. in Research and Evaluation. Her work includes publications and collaboration in international research initiatives within Adventist higher education.

Dr. Jachin Velavan, Associate Director of Missions and Faculty Distance Education Unit, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India

Dr. Jachin Velavan is a Family Physician, with a special interest in Primary Healthcare in Rural areas and Innovations in Medical Education. She has worked for over 10 years in many rural Mission Hospitals in India. She currently heads the Distance Education Unit in Christian Medical College Vellore and has been involved in developing and delivering need-based Distance Education courses. For the last 15 years, she has been involved in teaching General Practitioners and Government doctors across India and in other developing nations through Blended Learning Programs in Family Medicine, as well as nurses and community workers in basic Primary Healthcare delivery.

Ms. Alyssa Ang, Research Associate, International Care Ministries

Ms. Alyssa Ang has been with ICM Research for the past four years, where she has spent the last year and a half as a Research Specialist. Her work has allowed her to provide support in research study design and implementation, and in collaborations with partner organizations, to ensure that studies are contextualized to their settings and executed with rigor. Her recent experience gave her firsthand insight into the dynamics of cross-organizational collaboration — navigating differing capacities, priorities, and contexts that come with conducting research through and alongside partner organizations.

Day 2 April 22

Session #4 Whole Person Mental Health

Devotion: Dr. Ellaine Joseph, Health and Safety Director, ICM

Moderators: Ms. Mary Ann Dela Cruz, Spiritual Ministry Director, Cure Philippines; and Ms. Reca Grace Lazaro, In-Patient Head Nurse, Cure Philippines

Ms. Mary Ann B. Dela Cruz serves as the Spiritual Ministry Director for Tebow CURE Children’s Hospital (CURE Philippines). She has been with the hospital’s spiritual ministry team for nine years, starting her career in 2017. Her role at the hospital includes counseling, home visits, and connecting families with local churches. She has a BS in Biology and is a graduate of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). She studied Theology at the FIRE School of Ministry in Davao City.

Ms. Reca Grace P. Lazaro is the Head Nurse of the In-Patient Department at Tebow CURE Children’s Hospital of the Philippines, where she leads the surgical ward team in providing compassionate, high-quality care for children with treatable disabilities. With more than 15 years of clinical nursing experience, she is committed to ensuring safe surgical recovery and creating a supportive healing environment for children and their families. She earned her Nursing degree in 2008 and joined Tebow CURE Children’s Hospital in 2019. Since then, she has helped strengthen inpatient nursing systems, mentor staff, and promote a culture of excellence, teamwork, and faith-centered service.

Healing Journey with Churches and Communities: Ms. Shagota Chisim, MDP, Capacity Development Manager, World Renew Bangladesh

Ms. Shagota Chisim is the Capacity Development Manager for World Renew in Bangladesh. In her role, Ms. Chisim works with local partner organizations, communities, and churches to implement programs focused on peacebuilding and justice, trauma healing, and promoting gender-transformative practices. She trains and supervises local staff and provides technical support to partners throughout project implementation.

Wholistic Approach to Reach Meaningful Transformation and Health (WARMTH 2026): Mrs. Manolita P. Junasa, MCL, Founder, ED, KAVOD Center for Special Persons, Philippines

Mrs. Manolita P. Junasa is the Founder and Executive Director of KAVOD Center for Special Persons which developed “Project Hope and Love for Special Children”. She has a degree in Human Ecology major in Social Technology from the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines from which she has been conferred the Distinguished Alumna Award for Human Resource Development. She has a Master of Christian Leadership degree. Mrs. Junasa has a professional track record covering more than 40 years.

Improving Mental Health through a Community-based Approach by Self-help Groups: Mrs. Roseline Sagar, MPH, Consultant, Christian Medical Association of India presenting on behalf of Mr. Manoranjan Nayak, M.Sc, MA, Programme Secretary, Christian Medical Association of India

When Good Feedback Isn’t Enough: Lessons from Evaluating Our Trauma Healing Program: Ms. Daryn Go, Research Associate, International Care Ministries

Ms. Daryn Joy Go is a research associate at International Care Ministries (ICM), specializing in monitoring and evaluation, economic modeling, disaster risk analysis, and poverty research. She develops data-driven insights to support poverty alleviation in the Philippines. Her work explores social capital, multidimensional poverty, and spiritual impact, collaborating with local pastors to gather community data. Daryn holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Applied Economics from De La Salle University and has co-authored research on disaster risk and COVID-19 impacts.

Session #5 Maternal Mental Health: Engaging Faith Actors as Change Agents

Speaker: Ms. Mona Bormet, MPH, CHES, Program Director, Christian Connections for International Health

Ms. Mona Bormet, MPH, CHES serves as Program Director for CCIH. She directs a global portfolio of initiatives that improve timely access to quality health services in communities and facilities, by working with faith-based partners and CCIH members around the world. Ms. Bormet has been on the CCIH staff since 2010, first focused on US advocacy efforts. Previously, Mona served as Advocacy Program Specialist for the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. She received the American Public Health Association International Health Section Mid-Career Award in 2023.

Breakout discussions:

Theological Dimensions of Maternal Mental Health

Facilitators: Dr. Gary Cloud, Gilead Health Development Group; Dr. Jennifer Hatzfeld, PhD, RN, FAAN, Regional Network Director, Meros Center; and Bill Hatzfeld, Regional Network Operations Manager, Meros Center

Dr. Gary Cloud is a healthcare administrator with experience in hospitals, health management organizations, and Community Health Centers and universities. He has started medical, dental, physician assistant and other health professions colleges committed to training healers for CHCs. He is now volunteering for CCIH on their Christian health worker training institutions initiative.

Dr. Jennifer Hatzfeld, PhD, RN, FAAN, Regional Network Director, Meros Center

Mr. William “Bill” Hatzfeld serves as Regional Network Operations Manager for the Meros Center

William Hatzfeld is a missionary with the Meros Center as their Regional Network Operations Officer, supporting Christian health ministries through research and training. Formerly, he served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force in multiple roles and assignments in various locations globally. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, and a Master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College. Additionally, he completed certificate programs in Perspectives and English as a Foreign Language. William has 20+ years of Bible class instruction and designed new teaching materials for middle school youth as a Christian Sunday school teacher.

Dispelling Mental Health Myths and Misinformation

Facilitators: Ms. Shagota Chisim, Capacity Development Manager, World Renew Bangladesh, and Ms. Helen Catton, Asia Regional Program Consultant, World Renew

Ms. Helen Catton is a registered UK nurse with a first degree in Psychology; Diploma in Tropical Nursing from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a Masters in Global Health. She has lived and worked in Japan, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. Her first role in Thailand was in the Kwai River Christian Hospital in Kanchanaburi. She then worked at Angkor Hospital for Children, setting up and running the Satellite Hospital in Sotnikum district. She moved to Luang Prabang in Laos to work with Save the Children in their Primary Health Care program, leading the USAID-funded Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP). In 2021, she moved to work with World Renew as Project Advisor in Phonthong district on the border with Vietnam. In 2025, she moved to be based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as Asia Regional Program Consultant, supporting World Renew’s regional portfolio across six countries, including Thailand, and supporting the EQ response in Myanmar.

Guidance on Discussing Maternal Mental Health

Facilitators: Jim Oehrig, Global Advisor – Christian Partnerships, Hope Rises International; Christopher Baskeran, Senior Manager of Asia Church Partnerships, Hope Rises International; and Dr. Edwin Sam Asirvatham, PhD, Consultant, CCIH 30×30

Mr. Jim Oehrig, MA, is Global Advisor for Christian Partnerships at Hope Rises International, formerly American Leprosy Missions. He collaborates with regional directors and teams to build relationships with partner organizations and churches where HRI works. His areas of expertise include integral mission, community health development, capacity building, member care, and inter-organizational collaboration. Jim holds a B.A. from Houghton College and an M.A. from the University of Connecticut, with postgraduate study at Swansea University.

Dr. Christopher Baskeran, PhD is the Senior Manager, Asia Church Partnerships at Hope Rises International. He has more than three decades of experience in the field of Community Health and Development Programs, also contributing to Relief and Advocacy efforts. He previously worked with World Vision across India and the Asia Pacific Region. His work primarily intersects faith engagement and holistic community development. His strengths are in social policy, strategic planning and execution, program design, advocacy, and a strong commitment to disability inclusion in development programs.

Dr. Edwin Sam Asirvatham, PhD is a Consultant on the CCIH 30×30 Initiative. He holds a PhD in Health Systems & Policy and a Post-Graduate degree in Health Management. He has over 20 years of experience in public health. His specific areas of interest include analysis of health systems performance, public-private collaboration in health, development of health reform strategies and policies that lead to overall effectiveness, efficiency, and equity in health services.

Ms. Rhina Zavala serves as CCIH Finance and Administration Director. She has responsibilities in accounting, financial reporting, and human resources. Most recently, she served as the Office Manager for International Christian Concern. She has worked in administrative and financial positions in the medical and nonprofit sectors. She has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Liberty University and is pursuing a Master’s in Human Resources. Before moving into finance, she worked as a registered nurse in a pain clinic and maintains a strong interest in health and health care.

Session #6 Posters

Moderator: Mr. Jim Oehrig, Global Advisor-Christian Partnerships, Hope Rises International

Speakers:

Faith-Inspired Leadership in Policy and Advocacy: The Witness of the Christian Coalition for Health in India by Dr. Abhijeet Sangma Barooah, Secretary, Doctors Section, Christian Medical Association of India

Active Management of Maternal Undernutrition to Reduce Low Birth Weight and Prevent Stunting by Dr. Melinda Kelly Mijares, MD, MPH, International Care Ministries, Chief Health Officer

Dr. Mijares is an obstetrician-gynecologist and holds a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with concentrations in Humanitarian Health and Global Women’s Health. Prior to her role at ICM, she served for eight years as Director of Medical Missions for McLean Bible Church, developing programs and integration with government and non-profit organizations in Africa and Latin America. In her clinical years, Dr. Mijares held an Assistant Professor position at George Washington University School of Medicine and has served as a Visiting Scholar in several countries. She was awarded the Dr. Timothy Baker Award for International Health Development by Johns Hopkins University.

Strengthening Health Facilities in LMICs To Be Pandemic-Ready: Closing Gaps from the COVID-19 Outbreak by Mr. Ndi Abanda Alphonse, Grants Manager, Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services

Mr. Alphonse Abanda Ndi is a healthcare manager with over 15 years of experience in healthcare, health communication, and program and project design and management. He previously worked as a radio journalist and French language teacher before joining the public health sector in 2010. He holds a BA in Bilingual Studies, an MBA in International Healthcare Management, and certificates in project management, grant writing, policy advocacy, and communications. Since 2011, he has led the CBCHS Grants Department and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Texila American University.

Bridging the Gap: Specialized Training to Optimize Second-Line Nurse Leaders’ Effectiveness in India; Mrs. Elsy John, Secretary, Administrators Section, Christian Medical Association of India, presenting on behalf of Mrs. Shimy Mathew, Secretary, Christian Medical Association of India

Making the Political Commitment a Reality: Transforming Christian Health Care To Be More Disability Inclusive in YAKKUM Hospitals; Ms. Eirene Christy, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, YAKKUM, presenting on behalf of Mrs. Arshinta Soemarsono, Director of YAKKUM Community Health and Humanitarian, Inclusive Health Care, YAKKUM (Christian Foundation for Public Health)

Ms. Eirene Christi is a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) officer at YAKKUM, an Indonesian faith-based organization working in health care and social development. With a background in Human Resource Development, Community Development, and as an Inclusive Health Sector Project information and communication officer, she works on supporting inclusive, data-driven program implementation through monitoring system development, data management, and analysis to strengthen reporting and learning processes. She has a strong interest in disability inclusion, particularly in improving access to inclusive health services for persons with disabilities, and contributes to advancing inclusive and accountable health programs of Yakkum hospitals.

Strengthening Village Health and Nutrition Day for better Maternal and Child Health Outcome by Mrs. Roseline Sagar, Consultant, Christian Medical Association of India

Mrs. Roseline Sagar is a public health professional with an education in laboratory technology and public health. She has nine years of grassroot experience in public health nutrition, health system strengthening, project management, monitoring and evaluation. She has worked with CMAI for the past three years.

Strengthening Capacity of Mission Hospitals in India in Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Management through Blended Learning – Initial Processes and Perspectives by Dr. Jachin Velavan, Associate Director of Missions and Faculty Distance Education Unit, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India

Where wheelchairs can’t go: The power of local handcycle innovation and service delivery by Dr. Christopher Stanfill, Executive Director, Mobility Worldwide

Dr. Christopher J. Stanfill serves as Executive Director of Mobility Worldwide. He previously served as Senior Director of Data and Operations at Pencils of Promise. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and was a Henry Luce Scholar, working with World Education in Laos. He has experience in international development and has participated in global conferences, including at the United Nations. Mobility Worldwide is a nonprofit organization providing mobility carts for people with disabilities.

Use of the PHQ2 screening questions to identify pregnant women at risk of depression (EPDS positive), and implications for outpatient ANC, PNC and mental health services by Mrs. Stacy Saha, Volunteer, World Mission Prayer League (LAMB Hospital)

Mrs. Stacy Saha has served with LAMB (Lutheran Aid to Medicine in Bangladesh) since 1983, when she began as a nurse-midwife. She currently works in the Management Information Systems and Research Department at LAMB Hospital. Her work includes program evaluation, particularly for vulnerable populations. She has been involved with Christian nursing networks since 1988. Mrs. Saha is associated with the World Mission Prayer League and has contributed to healthcare and development work in Bangladesh through LAMB’s integrated programs.

Caring for the Mind is Part of God’s Love by Mr. Utpal Minj, Director, World Mission Prayer League (LAMB Hospital)

Mr. Utpal Minj serves as a Director at LAMB Hospital, which is part of the World Mission Prayer League in Bangladesh. He has held the role of Director of the Community Health and Development Program (CHDP) at LAMB. In this capacity, he worked on community health and development initiatives and participated in program and partnership activities, as well as workshops and initiatives related to health and development in Bangladesh.

Leveraging Minority Church Networks to Reduce Trafficking, SGBV, and Mental Health Stigma in High-Risk Border Area in Northwest Bangladesh by Mr. Bilash Paul Tigga, Project Manager, World Mission Prayer League (LAMB Hospital)

Mr. Bilash Paul Tigga is a development professional at LAMB Hospital with over eight years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, documentation, project management, and community transformation. His career spans diverse roles, including disaster risk reduction, clinic management, and humanitarian response. He specializes in child protection, mental health, SRHR, safeguarding, human trafficking prevention, women’s empowerment, and the Church and Community Transformation (CCT) process.

Services of Community Midwifery School of Kunri Christian Hospital Rural Healthcare Project Diocese of Hyderabad Church of Pakistan in Reducing the MMR and IMR of Thar Desert by Dr. Fouzia Chugtai, Medical Director, Kunri Christian Hospital

Dr. Fouzia Chugtai pursued medical studies at the Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women and earned a master’s degree in general surgery from Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences. After completing her studies, she devoted her life to serving humanity, particularly in underprivileged and remote areas. She served in St. Raphael Hospital Faisalabad, St. Teresa’s Hospital, Christian Hospital Quetta, and Kunri Christian Hospital. Despite numerous challenges, she remains deeply committed to saving the lives of mothers and children in the Thar Desert region, where access to quality healthcare is limited.

Day 3 – April 23

Session #7 Maternal and Child Health

Devotion: Dr. Ellaine Joseph, Health and Safety Director, ICM

Moderator: Luz Francess “Bicbic” Chua, Founding Executive Director, Catholics for Reproductive Health (C4RH)

Luz Francess “Bicbic” Chua is the Founding Executive Director of Catholics for Reproductive Health (C4RH) in the Philippines. She has been involved in advocacy related to reproductive health and rights within a Catholic context. C4RH works to engage Catholics in discussions on reproductive health, family planning, and public policy. In her role, Chua has been associated with organizational leadership, advocacy initiatives, and public engagement on reproductive health issues in the Philippines.

Speakers:

Empowered to Lead: Building Peace and Improving Maternal and Child Health through Community-Led Action in Jharkhand, India; Mr. Prashant Bhagyaban Missal, Senior Manager of Organizational Effectiveness and HR, EFICOR, India

Mr. Prasanta Bhagyaban Missal is the Senior Manager for organizational effectiveness and HR at EFICOR, India. He has over 25 years of experience in improving maternal and child health, community development, and disaster response. He has led many projects in Gujrat and Jharkhand and monitored health projects in Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh and helped communities work together for better health. His work on the Parivartan Project won PMI recognition, and he has shared EFICOR’s learning at various international platforms.

“I Am the Bridge”: Examining Intersectoral Collaboration among Community Health Workers to Address Maternal and Child Health in the Philippines; Dr. Melinda Kelly Mijares, MD, MPH, Chief Health Officer, International Care Ministries

Building Bridges to Healing: Faith-Based Responses to Mother and Child Health in the Context of HIV; Ms. Meta Ginting, MA, CD/Bethesda, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager, YAKKUM Indonesia

Ms. Meta Ginting is a theology graduate with a Master of Arts in Cross-Cultural and Religious Studies. She has experience in monitoring and evaluation, community development, and faith-based advocacy in HIV response and gender justice. Previously, she served as Project Officer for Gender Justice at the World Communion of Reformed Churches in Germany and is active in regional HIV networks through the Christian Conference of Asia. Her work bridges faith and public health to bring hope and healing to marginalized communities.

Empowered to Lead: Achieving Near-Universal Maternal and Child Health Uptake via a Dalit Women’s and Men’s Group Model in Rural Nepal; Mr. Arbind Sah, MS, Community Health Development and Training Officer, Nepal Leprosy Trust, Lalgadh Leprosy Hospital and Services Center, Lalgadh Dhanusha

Mr. Arbind Sah is the Community Health Development & Training Officer at the Training and Research Centre of the Nepal Leprosy Trust, Lalgadh Leprosy Hospital. Since 2009, he has served as the Team Leader for the Village Alive Project (VAP), steering its success in MCH and community empowerment. Working since 1999, Mr. Sah has trained thousands of health workers and influential leaders, bringing deep expertise in grassroots mobilization and integrated health interventions in Nepal.

Local Church as an Agent of Social Legitimacy in Encouraging Father Involvement in Family Nutrition Interventions in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara: Research and Reflection on Intervention Program; Ms. Dewi Utari, UPKM/CD Bethesda, Gender Expert, PMEAL Coordinator, YAKKUM Indonesia

Dewi Utari, S.I.P., MSc serves on staff of UPKM/CD Bethesda YAKKUM Indonesia and has been concerned with gender and health issues since 2007. Graduating with a Master’s Degree in Extension and Development Communication from Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, she has worked extensively as a gender expert consultant, trainer, facilitator, and evaluator for community empowerment programs on health issues, especially gender-based violence. Her articles, evaluation results, and research findings have been widely published by institutions and training modules.