Echoing Green Fellowship for Dr Esperance
Dr Esperance Luvindao, founder of the Osaat Africa Health Foundation, has been selected as a 2024 Echoing Green Fellow, one of 44 chosen by this leader in social innovation.As a Fellow, Dr Luvindao will receive a U$80000 stipend and leadership development to support her foundation’s mission: improving sexual and reproductive health and bridging the healthcare quality gap between lower and higher socioeconomic groups through digital health.
Echoing Green, established in 1987, has supported nearly 1 000 leaders launching social enterprises, accelerating the work of global innovators. Notable past fellows include former US First Lady Michelle Obama and climate tech CEO Donnel Baird.
Echoing Green President Cheryl L. Dorsey highlighted the urgent need for bold solutions in today's challenging times, praising the new fellows for their brilliance and passion.
Dr Luvindao expressed her gratitude for the fellowship, reflecting on the foundation’s humble beginnings. “When I started Osaat Africa Health Foundation, I had to go from one office to the next begging for N$50 000 just to carry out a copper IUCD clinic. I persevered because I knew the impact we could have was greater than the struggle we faced. I am humbled to join the Echoing Green fellowship. This is just the beginning, and we have so many more lives to touch,” she said.
Founded in 2019, the Osaat Africa Health Foundation focuses on women's sexual and reproductive health. The foundation educates women in their native languages, enhancing information retention and decision-making. Initiatives include "Emily’s Health", an animation series created by volunteers, and free copper IUCD clinics aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy in SADC Africa by 60% by 2035.
Additionally, the Dr Esperance Luvindao Healthcare Scholarship Award ties education on sexual and reproductive health to opportunities for self-development. The foundation also recently launched MENGA, a digital health innovation providing women in semi-rural areas with access to healthcare and medication without leaving their communities or incurring out-of-pocket costs.