Alice Kang’ethe fights for health equity in Africa
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Alice Kang’ethe, an economist originally from Kenya, dedicates her career to improving public health across Africa.
Early in her career, while working in Mbita, Kenya, she received life-saving care at a small local clinic when she was stung by a scorpion, an experience that shaped her belief in strengthening local healthcare systems.
Kang’ethe initially pursued a career in economic policy after studying at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Catholic University of Eastern Africa, but she shifted her focus to public health when she volunteered for an HIV care foundation in Tanzania. She now leads the Beginnings Fund, a coalition with the Gates Foundation and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, which has raised $493 million (Sh63 billion) and distributed $199 million (Sh25 billion) in grants to six African countries.
Kang’ethe’s work focuses on addressing the primary causes of death in maternal and newborn health. She previously worked with the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, where she learned the importance of matching ambition with reality while implementing health programs. Despite recognition, including being named to TIME magazine’s inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list, she remains frustrated by the slow pace of change and continues to advocate for equitable healthcare access for all Africans.
