Noella Gwanyama
Growing up, I had a great passion to be a Medical Doctor. Getting into Medical School in Cameroon was a privilege for a few, especially in government medical schools, which were only three then. After my first attempt, I did not get admission. I had to look for other options to attend private medical schools, but my parents could not afford the high fees. This frustrated me, and I later took up a course at the University. Fortunately, the government launched a new medical school a few months later, and I succeeded in the competitive entrance examination.
Five years ago, as a Medical Doctor, I faced a pregnancy complication that almost took my life and that of my baby, but due to timely medical intervention, we were both saved. I tilted my focus to helping pregnant women, especially those in marginalized communities, have equal and early access to quality healthcare throughout their pregnancies to ensure optimal health for both the mother and baby. Through this, I founded Talk Pregnancy with Dr Noella (TPWDN). We have made a mark both in our community and through all social media platforms.
After receiving the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship Award in 2023, during which I studied Leadership and Civic Engagement at the University of Delaware in the United States, this boosted my self-confidence and provided me with more advanced knowledge on community engagement and on leadership. At Open Dreams, as the coordinator of the Aviva Women in Science Fund (AWSF), which seeks to promote community action (research, education, support) in maternal & neonatal health related issues to improve on survival and wellbeing, I have actively participated right from the beginning of the program. I was privileged to be the first recipient of the Aviva Women in Science Fund Community Grants. This significantly impacted the lives of over 200 pregnant women in the North West Region of Cameroon, thus promoting good health for mothers and newborns in rural communities.
I am devoted to mentoring youths on the importance of community engagement and volunteering because blending these skills with quality education makes someone a great leader. I am also devoted to actively participating in the yearly celebration of the fascinating Open Dream event, the Aviva Day, in December.