Mikail T. Aliyu’s journey in global health began in Nigeria, where he witnessed the profound challenges of healthcare delivery firsthand. With over 13 years of experience, he has evolved from addressing local health issues in Nigeria to reshaping health systems on a global scale.
A graduate of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, Mikail’s expertise spans reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health. His professional experience has taken him across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, where he has worked tirelessly to improve healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations. Through collaborations with a range of organizations—from government bodies to multilateral donor agencies—Mikail has had a direct hand in shaping public health policies and implementing programs that deliver real-world impact.
Mikail’s contributions to public health include collaborations with major institutions like the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the World Bank, USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and others. His ability to bridge policy and practice has allowed him to tackle systemic issues, ensuring that health interventions reach the populations that need them most.
“When I began my career, I was confronted with the deep, systemic issues plaguing healthcare in Nigeria,” Mikail reflected. “I quickly realized that to enact lasting change, I needed to focus on public health systems and policies rather than individual patient care.”
Driven by a passion to address the social determinants of health, Mikail pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) in the United Kingdom. This equipped him with the global perspective necessary to address complex health challenges. Later, his decision to obtain a DrPH in the United States enabled him to refine his skills in leading large-scale health solutions and policy reforms.
One of Mikail’s most significant achievements came through his work with CHAI on the Family Planning Commodity Funding Landscape Assessment for Nigeria. This pivotal project analyzed funding mechanisms for Nigeria’s family planning services, providing sustainable solutions to secure essential reproductive health services for women throughout the country.
“We aimed to identify long-term solutions, especially in regions where the health system was weakest,” Mikail explained. “Our goal was to ensure that women had access to family planning services, regardless of their economic background or geographic location.”
Mikail’s leadership has also extended to initiatives focused on strengthening maternal and child health systems in several African countries. His work with governments to develop cost-effective plans for scaling these services has had a tangible impact on improving healthcare delivery across the continent.
As his influence in global public health continues to expand, Mikail remains committed to improving healthcare access for marginalized communities. His ability to confront systemic challenges head-on has made him a key figure in shaping health policies worldwide. “Health is a fundamental human right,” Mikail asserts. “My mission is to make that right accessible to as many people as possible, no matter where they live.”
