Ibibama James Owupele is a dedicated community pharmacist and a postgraduate student pursuing a Master of Science degree in Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He obtained his Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
With a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, Mr. Ibibama is passionate about advancing research at the intersection of toxicology and pharmacology. His academic and research interests centre on oxidative stress, environmental toxicants, and the therapeutic potential of natural antioxidants. He is particularly driven to explore how environmental exposures influence human health and how plant-based interventions can mitigate toxicological damage.
Combining practical experience as a community pharmacist with his academic pursuits, Mr. Ibibama aspires to contribute meaningfully to public health and scientific knowledge, especially in areas that address the growing burden of environmental toxicity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Monica Nzanga is an early career researcher with extensive experience in the fields of Environmental Health, specializing in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and injury prevention research. Monica holds a Bachelor’s and Masters of Science in Environmental Health from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS). Monica’s unwavering dedication to improving the health and well-being of people is the driving force behind her commitment to understanding and addressing the intricate factors that shape their lives. Her work continuously seeks to empower and uplift communities, with a particular focus on promoting evidence-based interventions that enhance the overall health and well-being of vulnerable populations. Monica has authored and co-authored several publications in the field of environmental health and injury prevention.

Epio Odette Bayala holds a master’s degree in development economics from the Catholic University of West Africa (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire). Driven by a strong commitment to devising practical solutions that enhance the well-being of vulnerable populations in developing countries, she has chosen to specialize in Development Economics. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Development Economics at the Université de Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada). Her research focuses on the impacts of environmental shocks, including toxic waste dumping, coastal erosion, and mining activities, as well as agricultural policies within the context of climate change. Her participation in Break the Cycle Africa 2 marks the presentation of the first chapter of her dissertation, which investigates how the transfer of hazardous waste from the Global North to the Global South can exert long-lasting effects on child health, extending beyond the generation directly exposed at the time of the shock.

Mosima Dikeledi Lawrencia Seabela is an Environmental Health Practitioner serving in the Military Health Services. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the University Of Johannesburg, South Africa. Born in Limpopo, Dikeledi grew up in the dusty roads of Danhouse, Hammanskraal, where her journey began. With a strong passion for Environmental Health and a commitment to serving her community, Dikeledi continues to make a positive impact in her field. Her research interests are particularly focused on protecting vulnerable populations, as evident in her Masters project, which evaluated food safety compliance in Day care centers of Mbombela, South Africa- a testament to her dedication to children’s health and well-being. Outside of her professional pursuits, Dikeledi is blessed with a loving family; she is happily married and mother of two beautiful boys, Lethabo and Rethabile, who bring joy and fulfillment to her life. Her academic pursuits and professional endeavors reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge and improving public health.

Nokwanda Kota is a doctoral student in Health Policy and Healthcare Management at the University of Texas, Houston. She is a medical doctor and researcher with the Global TB Program at the Baylor Children’s Foundation in eSwatini. Her research interests lie at the intersection of environmental and socio-economic determinants of health and pediatric TB and HIV in eSwatini. Her current research proposal seeks to evaluate the impact of climate change in eSwatini as a driver of pediatric health disparities as it relates to malnutrition.

I am a registered nurse who began my professional journey in paediatric nursing, later transitioning into HIV prevention and biomedical interventions within the private sector. With over 20 years of experience in HIV case management, I have developed a strong foundation in community-focused healthcare. I hold a post-diploma in HIV Management from Stellenbosch University and a BA in Human and Social Sciences, specializing in Community Development. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Johannesburg. My work is grounded in public health, driven by a passion for breaking cycles of inequality and challenging harmful cultural norms. My vision is to advocate for health equity and contribute to a sustainable, inclusive healthcare system that reaches all individuals, regardless of gender, age, or background, through community-driven and equitable care.

Prince Mokoena is an Environmental Health Practitioner at the City of Cape Town. He holds a BTech degree in Environmental Health and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health with a focus on Environmental Health. He has already submitted his thesis for examination.
Originally from Cunningmore B village in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, Prince is deeply passionate about research, particularly in the areas of child health and children’s rights. His interest in these fields was sparked through his work inspecting Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres and investigating infectious diseases. This experience led him to conduct research on the trends and prevalence of diarrhoea among children under the age of five, further fuelling his commitment to public health research.

Naabiae Nenubari is a graduate in Physiology from the University of Port Harcourt. He currently works as a researcher at the Provictoire Research Organization, where he contributes to advancing scientific inquiry and innovation. He is passionate about brain science and studies related to mental and environmental health.

Lusani Odelia Mbadaliga is an Environmental Health Practitioner from Manyii Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa, currently based in the Western Cape Province. She recently completed her Master of Public Health at the University of Pretoria. She has been an independent Environmental Health Practitioner for 10 years and currently practices in one of the big townships in the Western Cape province. Her work inspired her to conduct a research project within the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sphere to strengthen advocacy for children’s health from different backgrounds. The research interests were ECD teachers and air pollution knowledge, attitudes, and practices. She is preparing her proposal for her PhD studies, focusing on children's exposure to environmental air pollution and becoming an expert in the field.

I am currently studying for a Masters of Public Health in Environmental Health at The University of Zambia in the School of Public Health under the Department of Environmental Health, where I am doing my postgraduate research – “An Evaluation of clean cookstove technologies adoption in the selected townships of Lusaka District of Zambia”.

I hold a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Health from the University of Zambia, School of Public Health and currently working as a tutor at the same institution in the department of Environmental Health for undergraduate studies. I also work as a Lecturer at Harvest University under the department of Environmental Health with focus in Chemical Safety and Management, and Building Science (Principles and Design).

In the field of research, I have worked as a research assistant on the Kabwe Mine Pollution Amelioration Initiative (KAMPAI) with focus on mother and children and the responsibilities that ranged from administering the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire and collection of samples for both the mothers and their children.

I am a public health researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), working within the Public Health, Societies and Belonging (PHSB) research division. I hold a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Pretoria, where I developed a strong foundation in health systems research, social determinants of health, and community-based approaches to improving well-being. At the HSRC, my work is grounded in multidisciplinary research that explores how health is shaped by broader social, cultural, and environmental contexts, especially among vulnerable and marginalized groups. I am passionate about using research and health promotion to tell meaningful stories, drive policy change, and support healthier communities. My interests lie in environmental health, mental health, health equity, and understanding how people experience and navigate health and care in everyday life.

Kenfrey Mutugi Kimathi is a dedicated educator and fitness advocate with a strong passion for promoting healthy living and active lifestyles. A graduate of Kenyatta University, he holds a degree in Physical Education and Library Science, equipping him with a unique blend of knowledge to develop innovative fitness based programs. Currently serving as a teacher in the Sports Department at St. Christopher’s International School, Kenfrey is committed to nurturing physical well being among students. Beyond the classroom, he actively engages in grassroots initiatives, collaborating with Kenyan academies and KCA University to coordinate holiday programs for children from Mathare Slum, fostering talent and encouraging healthy habits from a young age.
A firm believer in the power of fitness to transform lives, Kenfrey champions healthy living through advocacy, community engagement, and practical training programs. His mission is to inspire individuals of all ages to embrace an active, balanced lifestyle for long-term well-being.

Jane Gatheru is a wellness and fitness education professional with a background in Exercise and Sports Science. She is passionate about promoting health and well-being among children ,youth and the community in general through movement, outdoor engagement, and lifestyle awareness.
She brings a practical and inclusive approach to child-centered fitness, drawing on her expertise in therapeutic exercise, injury prevention, and youth-friendly wellness coaching. She supports the design and facilitation of nature-based physical activities that build self-confidence, teamwork, and environmental stewardship among children.
As part of her role, Jane helps coordinate outdoor sessions that combine physical movement with lessons on sustainability, clean living, and personal health responsibility. She also contributes to behavior change communication efforts, encouraging active living as a foundation for lifelong wellness and environmental responsibility.Jane is known for her energy, empathy, and ability to connect with people across different backgrounds.

Stephen Yewhenu is a dedicated student at Wesley University. Passionate about social impact, he actively advocates for cleaner, safer environments and decent living conditions in the Makoko and Oko-Agbon slum communities. Stephen holds a Diploma in Business Development and Strategy from the DRN School of Entrepreneurship, UK, equipping him with skills to drive sustainable change. Committed to serving others, he engages in missionary work, reaching out to remote communities with compassion and purpose.