Nelly Ale

Nelly Ale is an experienced global health executive with over 15 years of expertise in healthcare financing, strategic health program leadership, and digital health solutions across public, private, and non-profit sectors. She is currently the Acting Director of the Health Workforce Development at the Mastercard Foundation, shaping initiatives that strengthen health systems.

With work experience spanning 20 countries, Nelly has led high-impact teams, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and advised governments on healthcare financing. Her diverse career includes frontline nursing in rural Kenya, program management for TB, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes, and leadership roles in NGOs and the private sector, including Novo Nordisk. She has also served as a technical advisor to governments, a consultant for the International Diabetes Federation, and a Country Director, driving policy change and advocacy for non-communicable diseases.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Public Health from the University of Liverpool, and a Master of Science in Health Economics, Policy, and Management from the London School of Economics. Her work has been recognized with the Pharmaceuticals Marketing Excellence Award (2015) and the Skoll Award for Social Innovation (2022).

Nelly believes women’s leadership is essential for solving complex global health challenges and shaping more equitable health systems.

Fun fact: She loves cooking but hates washing dishes, enjoys reading, swimming, and spending time with her witty five-year-old twins!