Taking the Lead: Four Changemakers in Africa 

Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with more than 400 million people aged 15 to 35. These young professionals aren’t waiting for the future; they’re leading now, driving innovation, improving health and creating lasting impact.  

Operation Smile has long recognized the power and potential of young, dedicated changemakers. From Student Programs to fellowship opportunities, including the Global Surgery Fellows and the Global Surgery Advocacy Fellows, the organization has emphasized the importance of cultivating the next generation of compassionate, committed and action-oriented leaders. As Operation Smile co-founder and CEO Kathy Magee has said, “They are our future.” 

Samrawit Girmay Abraha, M.D., FCS-ECSA (34)
Plastic Surgeon in Ethiopia

After conflict in northern Ethiopia, Samrawit Girmay Abraha, M.D., FCS-ECSA, was among the first to return and offer reconstructive surgery to hundreds of war victims, many of them young and deeply scarred. For her, healing is both a medical calling and a way to help rebuild communities. 

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Abraha was affectionately nicknamed “Doctor Samrawit Gualey” by her father as a child, a gesture that sparked her early passion for medicine. With his encouragement, she pursued her dream and specialized in cleft lip and palate surgery. Today, she is an Operation Smile Women in Medicine fellow, completing a microsurgery fellowship at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. Upon completion, she will become Ethiopia’s first female microsurgeon and the first microsurgeon at Mekelle University Hospital in Tigray. 

Abraha is committed to expanding access to safe, reconstructive surgery, promoting access to care and mentoring future doctors. She believes strongly that “the future is in the hands of the youth.” 

Donald Mlombwa (33)
Education and Training Coordinator, Operation Smile Malawi

For Donald, a nurse, educator and researcher from Malawi, health care transformation begins with knowledge. “I transitioned into health education driven by the belief that knowledge not only empowers individuals but also spurs the innovation needed to transform entire systems,” he explains.

Donald’s journey with Operation Smile began in 2013 as a student volunteer. Over the years, his roles have evolved, from being part of the clinical team on surgical programs to his position as Education and Training Coordinator. Donald holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing and midwifery and certificates in leadership and mentorship, GCP (Good Clinical Practice), research methodology, data quality, BLS and PALS. One of his proudest achievements came during his time at Zomba Central Hospital, where he designed a critical care orientation package that standardized care across departments and inspired similar changes in other hospitals. 

Beyond hospital walls, Donald also co-led the creation of shelter nursing services at Operation Smile Malawi’s patient village, ensuring families waiting for surgery received compassionate, continuous care. His vision for the future is bold: “Health education should become a catalyst for a self-sustaining, equitable health ecosystem across Africa.” Through local empowerment and strong partnerships, he believes Africa’s healthcare systems can be both resilient and homegrown.

Busiswa Mtyukana (32)
PACU Nurse in South Africa

Known for her bubbly personality and heart of gold, Busiswa Mtyukana thrives in the post-anesthesia care unit, helping patients feel safe and supported after surgery. Inspired by the impact of health care on families, she became a nurse and now volunteers with Operation Smile. Mtyukana finds purpose in her work, despite the emotional and fast-paced challenges of her role. 

One moment she holds dear is watching a young girl thrive after cleft surgery. “During my first surgical program, I cared for a young patient who had been living with a cleft lip and palate. Seeing the confidence and joy the surgery brought to her life was truly life-changing. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.”  

Growing up in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa, Mtyukana understands the gaps in health care access. Through Operation Smile, she educates families about recovery and advocates for better health care systems. “Being part of Africa’s next generation of health professionals is a huge responsibility and a tremendous opportunity,” she says. “We’re not just treating patients; we’re building a better health system for our communities.” 

Aina Mamy Andriamanarivo (27)
Medica Student and Smile Club Lead in Madagascar

Aina Mamy Andriamanarivo is a passionate medical student and public health advocate from Madagascar. Born in Antananarivo and raised in Antsirabe, Madagascar, he brings a deep understanding of his country’s diverse communities. He is a general practice intern and currently preparing his thesis for tate doctorate in Mmdicine at the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar.  

“I first heard about Operation Smile on TV about 12 years ago. They mentioned an Operation Smile’s program, and it lit a spark among everyone watching TV with me at that time. We saw the life-changing effect Operation Smile had on patients.” 

Since joining Operation Smile in 2023, Andriamanarivo has volunteered both medically and non-medically. He supports patients during surgeries and supports Smile Club Tana, an Operation Smile student group focused on awareness, fundraising and volunteer training. Since joining, the club grew from 30 to nearly 100 student volunteers. 

Andriamanarivo believes youth engagement begins with education. “Young people often don’t know enough about health issues. If we educate them, we build strong youth-led health networks.” 

He adds, “Being involved doesn’t just change the world; it changes you, too.”