Two Pioneering Innovators Win the Marc Mitchell Award for Leadership and Innovation in Digital Health

D-tree is thrilled to announce the winners of the Marc Mitchell Award for Leadership and Innovation: Marlene Joannie Bewa from Benin and Joie Sophia Umuhoza from Rwanda. These two visionary leaders were selected from a record number of over 250 applications and are being recognized for their innovative contributions to improving the health and well-being of people in their countries.

Joie Sophia Umuhoza, Founder of ECO-MAMA
The ECO-MAMA platform, founded by Joie, addresses a growing but underreported crisis: the mental health impact of climate change on women in Rwanda. Women, particularly those in poorer regions, are disproportionately affected by climate-induced stressors such as displacement and drought. ECO-MAMA offers a lifeline through AI-driven mental health assessments, telepsychiatry and localized education. Its unique Women Warriors program trains women to become advocates for mental health resilience, empowering communities to address climate change-related mental health challenges. This digital platform is already making a difference in Rwanda and has the potential to scale across the continent.

Dr. Marlene Joannie Bewa, Founder and CEO of DOTOH Health
As the Founder and CEO of DOTOH Health, Joannie spearheaded the development of Benin’s very first teleconsultation platform, designed to tackle healthcare access challenges in underserved communities. The platform provides primary care and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services through teleconsultation, health education, and mobile apps. This digital solution has connected over 500 clients with healthcare providers, significantly improving health outcomes in rural and urban areas. The platform’s community-centered approach, engaging healthcare workers and leaders, has empowered individuals to make 

About the Marc Mitchell Award
The Marc Mitchell Award, initiated by the Global Digital Health Network and this year supported by D-tree recognizes leaders transforming healthcare through innovative digital solutions. Named after Marc Mitchell, D-tree’s founder and a pioneer in global health, the award elevates and supports leaders driving positive change in their communities. Award recipients will receive financial support to attend the Global Digital Health Forum in Nairobi this year and benefit from a year of mentorship provided by the Global Digital Health Network Advisory Council. 

“We are thrilled to recognize these two exceptional women from Africa using innovation to address critical health issues locally. Their work are excellent examples of how innovation can not only increase healthcare access but also empower communities, and especially women, to take control of their health and well-being. I look forward to meeting them in Nairobi.”
Riccardo Lampariello, D-tree CEO.

“What sets ECO-MAMA apart is its unique, holistic approach to addressing the impact of climate change on women’s mental healthcare in underserved communities. By prioritizing underserved women and integrating innovative technologies like an AI-driven chatbot, we aim to provide psychoeducation across cultural and geographical boundaries.”
Joie Sophia Umuhoza, Founder ECO-MAMA and 2024 Marc Mitchell Award Winner.

“DOTOH Health stands out by addressing the healthcare access gap in Benin through a community-centered digital health platform focused on primary care and sexual and reproductive health. Our teleconsultation platform integrates cutting-edge technology with culturally sensitive services, ensuring accessibility and scalability across African countries while maintaining affordability for low-income populations.”
Dr. Marlene Joannie Bewa, Founder and CEO DOTOH Health and 2024 Marc Mitchell Award Winner.  

About D-tree
D-tree is a digital health organization expanding access to high-quality, essential healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa, by enabling better decision-making at every stage of a person’s health journey. Founded in 2004 and with experts in public health and digital technology, we develop solutions that make health systems more personalized, accessible and coordinated.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Camilla Mohabat, D-tree Communications Manager
cmohabat@d-tree.org
+260 774 691 757