Our Patrons
Dr Mesfin G Zbelo
Mesfin G Zbelo is an experienced Public Health Physician and Policy Analyst, with demonstrated achievements in diversified areas of health system strengthening, with a focus on health service delivery and policy development, implementation, and evaluation.
Mesfin has fifteen years of experience in national and international health initiatives at a health facility, district, sub-regional, national, and international levels. A particular strength is in the area of technical assistance with the development of mechanisms, instruments, and tools (such as research, policy analysis and development of strategies, monitoring and evaluation, performance assessment and performance management, and approaches to enhance the effectiveness of PHC intervention among others.
A Medical Doctor with public health training at MSC in epidemiology of reproductive, maternal and child health care and postgraduate training (MSC, Ph.D.) in health economics, social health policy, and economic analysis, with extensive experience as public health advisor to bilateral development programs and Health systems development advisor to WHO and MOH, at international level to various counties, including, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Kenya, the Sudan and currently MOH Liberia.
Dr Meena Nathan Cherian
Dr Meena Cherian worked for 14 years at the WHO HQ in Geneva and created the first program on ‘surgery’ and was the WHO Emergency & Essential Surgical Care program Lead. This work resulted in the adoption of the first World Health Assembly Resolution 68/15 on Strengthening Emergency & Essential Surgical Care and Anesthesia in the context of Universal Health Coverage.
After completing her medical education from Christian Medical College Ludhiana, Punjab, India, Dr Cherian worked in a 200 bed rural hospital for 5 years, independently performing obstetric surgery, and basic emergency trauma care. Then after completing speciality training in anaesthesiology, she became a professor of anaesthesiology and worked for over 20 years in Christian Medical College Hospital Vellore, India. She has also trained, worked and taught anaesthesia in various countries including USA (Johns Hopkins Hospital), Africa, and Southeast Asia. Given her wealth of skills, expertise, and experience, Dr Cherian’s input will be extremely useful to MCAI’s work.
Baroness Golding (Patron)
MCAI has an experienced Parliamentarian as its Patron. Baroness Golding spent 15 years as an MP for Newcastle-Under-Lyme, then in 2001 on retirement from the Commons was immediately invited to become a member of the House of Lords.
Reflecting her strong beliefs in supporting children, family values and universal healthcare she has given speeches demanding improvements in child protection, the importance of a secure family unit and setting high standards of health care provision.
It is not just in the political arena where Baroness Golding brings us experience and expertise, as a former Radiographer she has worked in 23 hospitals and clinics throughout the National Health Service.
As MCAI’s Patron, Baroness Golding plays a key role as the charity’s figurehead. We are very proud to have a distinguished member of our national legislature supporting our work.
Dr John Bridson (Honorary Patron) - MB, BS, MRCP, FRCPCH
John Bridson is from the Isle of Man. After attending medical school in London he trained as a Paediatrician. He became a consultant in Barnsley in 1976 and then retired from full time work in 2000, working part time until November 2007. He has been married twice and has six children. In 1998 he joined MCAI as Honorary Country Director for Albania. In 2001 he became a Trustee, then later Chairman of the Trustees Board before retiring from the trustee board in August 2010 and accepting the role of Honorary Patron. His work in Albania has been both educational and scientific. He has close relationships with the Albanian Paediatric Association and the Albanian Ministry of Health. He has also carried out MCAI work in many other countries.
Sylvia Lady Limerick (former Patron) - CBE, MA, FRCP (Hon), FRCPCH (Hon)
Lady Limerick was our Patron from 1998 to 2009. She is the current Vice-Chairman Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (Executive Information & Support 1971-1985). She was also the Chairman of Council of British Red Cross 1985-1995, and an elected Vice-President of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies 1993-1997; President of Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association 1984-2002.
Her experience of health care is extensive: St Bartholomew’s Hospital Board d of Governors 1974-1977; Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster CHC Vice-Chairman 1974-1977, Area Health Authority member 1977-1982; Eastman Dental Hospital SHA member 1990-1996; UCLH NHS Trust non-executive member 1996-1999; Eastman Dental Institute Committee of Management member 1994-1996, chairman 1996-99; NHNS&ION Research Ethics Committee 1993-2004.