The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region is pleased to welcome Dr. Claudia Shilumani as the new Regional Director for Africa.
Dr. Shilumani brings more than 26 years of experience in global health, with a distinguished career spanning Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. A South African national, she has held senior technical, managerial and executive leadership roles across governments, international NGOs, the United Nations system, and major global health initiatives. Her experience includes working with the governments of South Africa and Sierra Leone, and with leading global institutions including UNFPA, WHO and the Global Fund. Throughout her career, she has championed equitable access to health services and strengthened health systems to better serve communities.
Dr. Shilumani joins IPPF Africa Region at a pivotal moment for sexual and reproductive health and rights on the continent. Across Africa, progress on SRHR remains uneven, while political backlash and funding challenges threaten essential services and hard-won gains. With her extensive experience in global health leadership and systems strengthening, Dr. Shilumani brings the strategic vision and commitment needed to support IPPF’s Member Associations and partners in expanding access to quality, rights-based sexual and reproductive health services.
“Africa’s young and dynamic population represents enormous potential, but that potential can only be realized when people have the power, knowledge and services to make informed decisions about their own bodies and lives,” said Dr. Shilumani. “IPPF Africa Region has an extraordinary network of Member Associations, health providers, advocates and volunteers working at the heart of communities. My vision is to strengthen this collective power so that together we can expand access to lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services, defend human rights, and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Under Dr. Shilumani’s leadership, IPPF Africa Region will continue to work alongside its Member Associations, partners and communities to deliver essential services, champion youth leadership, and advocate for policies that protect sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people across Africa.
As we welcome Dr. Shilumani, we also extend our deep appreciation to Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry for her outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights across the continent. Her stewardship strengthened IPPF Africa Region’s impact and voice during a critical period, and we thank her for her enduring contribution to the movement.
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