Salma Abdi Mahmoud

About

Dr Salma Abdi Mahmoud is a medical doctor, academic leader, and health systems expert specialising in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and holds a PhD in Gyn-Oncology. She serves as the Dean of the School of Health and Medical Sciences at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), where she leads strategic initiatives in medical education, research, and institutional development. Dr Salma also serves as the Deputy Secretary General of the Consortium of Medical Schools in Africa (COMS-A), playing a key role in advancing continental collaboration in medical education, leadership development, and research. In addition, she is the Regional Director for the East African Hub of MashUbora, where she oversees clinical research, regulatory strengthening, and capacity-building initiatives across the region. With a strong track record in research and academic leadership, Dr. Salma has published widely in maternal and reproductive health, gynaecologic oncology, and health systems strengthening. She is a reviewer for leading international journals and a member of prominent professional bodies, including AGOTA, ECSACOG, and NITAGs. Dr. Salma has coordinated and continues to lead several projects related to maternal and child health. These include quality improvement initiatives for HIV, TB, and malaria in pregnant women in collaboration with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; the Safe Birth project through PartoMa in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen; and research on sickle cell disease in mothers and children in partnership with the Pierre Foundation in France. She is also currently coordinating a project on sexual and reproductive health in collaboration with the University of Minnesota. A passionate advocate for quality healthcare and inclusive leadership, Dr. Salma is committed to strengthening health systems and advancing gender equity in leadership across Africa.