Dr. Juliette M. Tuakli is embarking on a new chapter in her mission to improve healthcare across Africa, having recently been appointed as the Diplomatic Ambassador for Mercy Ships. With her extensive experience in healthcare leadership and a strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced by underserved communities, Dr. Tuakli is determined to help transform access to vital medical care throughout the continent.
Mercy Ships, a global nonprofit that has provided free medical care and surgeries in some of the world’s most impoverished regions for more than four decades, has long been a lifeline to communities in need. Through its hospital ships, Mercy Ships delivers surgeries, dental care, and training to local healthcare professionals. Now, with Dr. Tuakli in a key diplomatic role, the organization is aiming to expand its impact, especially in Africa, where many countries still face significant healthcare barriers.
Dr. Tuakli, a physician with years of experience in clinical practice and healthcare leadership, is no stranger to the challenges in African healthcare systems. As an advocate for better medical infrastructure, she is focused on improving both the immediate provision of care and the long-term sustainability of healthcare services in the region. Her role will involve engaging with governments, international organizations, and private partners to foster collaborations that address Africa’s healthcare needs.
“I am deeply committed to improving healthcare in Africa, and this role with Mercy Ships offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference,” Dr. Tuakli said. “My goal is not only to provide immediate relief but to help build stronger, more resilient health systems that can meet the needs of people long after Mercy Ships’ missions have ended.”
In her new role, Dr. Tuakli plans to advocate for increased investment in local healthcare infrastructure and for the training of healthcare workers who can continue to serve their communities long after Mercy Ships leaves. Addressing surgical backlogs, which affect millions of Africans who lack access to essential medical care, is one of her primary objectives. By working with Mercy Ships, Dr. Tuakli hopes to reduce these backlogs and ensure that more people receive the surgeries they urgently need.
Mercy Ships’ work in Africa has already impacted thousands of lives, providing free surgeries on its floating hospital and delivering life-saving care to children and adults in remote areas. The organization’s efforts are especially critical in nations where access to medical treatment is limited or non-existent, and where the shortage of qualified medical professionals exacerbates the situation. Dr. Tuakli’s appointment as Diplomatic Ambassador is expected to strengthen Mercy Ships’ outreach and expand its partnerships across the continent.
Dr. Tuakli is also a passionate advocate for women’s health, particularly maternal and child health. In many African countries, maternal mortality rates remain high due to a lack of skilled healthcare providers and inadequate medical facilities. Through Mercy Ships, Dr. Tuakli aims to improve access to safe maternal care and advocate for better postnatal services to ensure the health of mothers and their babies.
In addition to her diplomatic work with Mercy Ships, Dr. Tuakli is actively involved in various health initiatives that promote equity in healthcare. She believes in the importance of raising awareness about healthcare disparities and works to highlight the needs of marginalized populations. Her advocacy extends to health education, early intervention, and preventive care, with an emphasis on empowering local communities to take charge of their health.
Dr. Tuakli’s new position with Mercy Ships is a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to improving healthcare access across Africa. Her leadership and expertise will be instrumental in expanding the organization’s impact in the region. By working with local governments, healthcare professionals, and international partners, Dr. Tuakli aims to contribute to a future where quality healthcare is accessible to all Africans, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.
Through her role as Diplomatic Ambassador, Dr. Tuakli is not only helping to provide immediate medical care but also laying the foundation for lasting healthcare solutions that will benefit generations to come. Mercy Ships’ partnership with Dr. Tuakli represents a powerful step toward making equitable healthcare a reality for Africa’s most vulnerable populations.
