Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet is included in Africa Health 20 because she is helping shape a broader African health agenda—one that extends beyond infectious disease to noncommunicable disease, injury prevention, and the policy choices needed to build stronger public health systems.
As President and CEO of Vital Strategies, she leads a global public health organization working across more than 80 countries. In 2025, her influence has been especially visible in the push for health taxes and other practical financing tools that link prevention, domestic revenue, and long-term system resilience. That combination of organizational leadership, policy relevance, and emphasis on durable public value is why she belongs on this list.
Influence Areas
Population Health; Noncommunicable Diseases; Health Policy; Prevention Strategy
