Dr. Juliette M. Tuakli, MB ChB, LRCP, MRCS, MPH

Dr. Juliette M. Tuakli is a globally recognized medical and public health specialist, philanthropic leader, and diplomatic ambassador. Since 2022, she has served as the Ambassador to Africa for Mercy Ships International, where she cultivates strategic partnerships with governments, communities, and social organizations to advance the organization’s mission of delivering hope and healing to those in need. Her leadership fosters collaboration across the continent, creating opportunities for Mercy Ships to impact lives through medical care, education, and outreach.

Dr. Tuakli’s medical career is distinguished by her accomplishments in pediatrics and reproductive health. She was the first African woman to serve as a clinical professor in Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital of Boston. Her early research and service contributed to the establishment of a new Community Medicine Department at Children’s Hospital of Boston, highlighting her commitment to improving pediatric care and public health systems. She holds advanced medical training from institutions including UCLA, Queen Charlotte’s Maternity Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Lusaka University Teaching Hospital.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Tuakli has demonstrated exceptional leadership in social and civic initiatives. She was the first female Rotary president of Ghana’s premier Anglophone club, advocating for legislation to protect orphaned, disabled, and vulnerable children—a work recognized by the African Union in 2016. She co-founded MOREMI Leadership for Young African Women, mentoring over 200 alumni from 53 African countries, and served as CEO and Medical Director of CHILD Accra, delivering pediatric and reproductive health services to underserved populations.

Her corporate and nonprofit governance experience is equally impressive. Dr. Tuakli has held senior leadership roles including Chair of the International Board of Trustees at United Way Worldwide and serves on the boards of Zenith Bank, CarePoint, and the Global Virus Network. She also contributes her expertise to advisory committees for international organizations such as the African Union and Nestlé. Her extensive board experience underscores her ability to merge strategic oversight with meaningful social impact.

Throughout her career, Dr. Tuakli has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to healthcare, public service, and leadership. She has been honored with the UN Global Citizens Award, multiple lifetime achievement awards, and accolades from the Africa Healthcare Awards and Summit. Her work exemplifies a lifelong commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities across Africa and the world, while inspiring future generations of leaders.

• Lusaka University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka – BSc, MB ChB, 1970–1976
• Great Ormond Street Hospital, London – LRCP, MRCS, Pediatrics, 1976–1977
• Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital, London – Medical Gynecology, 1977–1978
• UCLA – Master of Public Health (MPH), International Health / Maternal & Child Health, 1978–1979
• Harvard Medical School – Faculty, 1982–2001

• Board-Certified Pediatrician
• Reproductive Health Specialist
• Diplomatic Ambassador to Africa, Mercy Ships International
• Founder and Medical Director, CHILD Accra
• Former Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School / Children’s Hospital Boston

• UN Global Citizens Award
• Leadership Awards from Boston’s Head Start
• Leadership Awards from US Women and Nigerian Diaspora Organizations
• Lifetime Achievement Awards, including Africa Healthcare Awards and Summit (AHAS) Recognition by the African Union for legislation protecting orphaned, disabled, and vulnerable children (2016)
• Honorary Clinical Instructor Certificate

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine

• Ambassador, Africa Region – Mercy Ships (2022–Present) Supports strategic partnerships with governments, diplomatic entities, communities, and social organizations to advance Mercy Ships’ mission of providing hope and healing.
• Advisory Board Member – Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (Sep 2015–Present) Provides guidance on human rights initiatives and advocacy across Africa.
• Advisory Committee Member – World Education (Mar 2005–Dec 2009) Supported global educational programs and initiatives to improve access and quality of education.
• Co-Founder & Board Member – MOREMI Leadership for Young African Women (Mar 2004–Oct 2024) Mentors and trains exceptional young African women in leadership through the MILEAD Fellows program, with over 200 alumni from 53 African countries.
• Founder & Medical Director – CHILD Accra (Jul 2008–Oct 2024) Provides pediatric and reproductive health services while advancing child health initiatives in Ghana.