Who We Are
About Us
Vision
A healthier Africa where diabetes is no longer a silent epidemic but a well-managed condition, with equitable access to quality care for all.
Mission
To save lives and improve health outcomes by making diabetes prevention, detection, and care accessible to under-resourced communities through innovation and partnerships.
Values
C – Collaboration
A – Accountability
R – Reach
E – Excellence
Compassion Meets Action
SOO-DAWI (Stella Oludinanwa Ogbaegbe Diabetes Awareness and Wellness Initiative) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness, improving access to care, and enabling individuals affected by diabetes to lead healthier lives. Our work is driven by the urgent need to address the growing burden of diabetes in under-resourced communities, where education, screening, and management resources are often limited.
The name SOO-DAWI (pronounced *Sou-Da-Wee*) embodies both pain and hope, reflecting the struggles of diabetes and the possibility of a fulfilling life with the right support. Inspired by the Arabic term "سوداوي" (melancholic/bittersweet), it symbolises the duality of diabetes, its lifelong challenges and the resilience it demands. Interestingly, in Somali, “Soo Dawi” means “heal,” which serves as a powerful reinforcement of our mission to restore wellness, dignity, and hope to those affected by diabetes.
The global impact of diabetes is profound. Recent data reveals that over 800 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, a figure that has more than quadrupled since 1990. Alarmingly, a significant portion of these individuals remain untreated, highlighting the urgent need for accessible care and effective management strategies. (WHO, 2024)
At SOO-DAWI, we recognise diabetes as not just a medical condition but a societal challenge. Through advocacy, outreach, and community engagement, we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or location, has the knowledge and resources to prevent, manage, and thrive with diabetes.
Driven by the past, and committed to the future, SOO-DAWI officially began operations on June 17, 2024, marking the start of our journey to transform the bittersweet reality of diabetes into a movement of awareness, care, and support.
Impact Footprint
1,022
adults screened for diabetes risk factors.
10
at-risk individuals connected with healthcare providers for follow-up care.
ON-GROUND ADVOCACY
3,082
people reached through community outreach campaigns.
DIGITAL CAMPAIGNS
10,000 +
people reached through online awareness campaigns.
Our Leadership
The Board of Directors at SOO-DAWI is a dedicated group of leaders committed to our mission of transforming diabetes care in under-resourced communities.
Dr. Conan Tu
Chairperson, Regional Chief of Primary Care, Eastern Long Island, Optum, USA
Pai Gamde
Non-Executive Director, Chief Talent Officer, Coronation Group, Nigeria
Sebastine Nzeadibe
Non-Executive Director, Regional Country Director (West Africa, Emerging Southern Africa, IOI, ANG & Mozambique), Cisco, Nigeria
Emana Shunnom
Non-Executive Director, Communications & Governance Consultant, The World Bank, USA
Our Advisors
SOO-DAWI’s Advisory Board is composed of experienced professionals and thought leaders who offer valuable insights to strengthen our impact.
Dr. Sabine Kapasi
Chairperson, Global Health Strategist, New Delhi, India
Dr. Ibitrokoemi Korubo
Head of Department, Internal Medicine, Rivers State University & Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria
Dr. Firdous Shaikh
Consultant Diabetologist & Metabolic Physician, Jyoti Clinic & Nursing Home, Mumbai, India
Dr. Chinasa Amadi
Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician; Founder, Ariella Health & Fitness Limited, Nigeria