Basimenye Nhlema (Sime)

Basimenye Nhlema transitioned into her current role in November 2023, where she spearheads a landmark partnership with the Malawi Government through the Ministry of Health (MoH). Her work is focused on strengthening the provision of essential health services within Neno District and across Malawi at large.

Professional Background

Basimenye is a versatile leader with a decade of high-level experience across operations, community health, and project management:

• Executive Operations: Before her current role, she served as the Chief Operating Officer for PIH Malawi for two years, managing the organization’s finance, supply chain, infrastructure, and human resources functions.
• Community Health Leadership: She served as the Community Health Director for four years, overseeing the Community Health Worker (CHW) program and the Program on Social and Economic Rights (POSER).
• Public Health Projects: Prior to joining PIH, she was a Senior Project Manager at the Pakachere Institute of Health and Development Communication, where she led a Global Fund HIV project for key populations.
• Humanitarian Leadership: She is a distinguished alumna of the Hilton Humanitarian Prize Laureate Virtual Leadership Institute (Cohort 5, 2021).

Strategic Oversight & Policy Advocacy

In her current capacity, Basimenye acts as a critical bridge between PIH and national health authorities. Her leadership ensures that clinical innovations and community-led models are integrated into national policy to build more resilient health systems. She oversees interdisciplinary teams dedicated to improving health outcomes for rural and impoverished populations.

Education & Fellowships

• Master of Arts in Dramatic Arts, Witwatersrand University, South Africa
• Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (Majoring in Drama and Public Administration), University of Malawi
• Alumni, Hilton Humanitarian Prize Laureate Virtual Leadership Institute (VLI)