America’s Best in Medicine: Juliette M. Tuakli Advances Global Health as Mercy Ships International Ambassador to Africa
Globally Recognized Medical and Public Health Specialist Combines Clinical Expertise, Philanthropy, and Diplomatic Leadership to Improve Lives Across the Continent
Tyler, Texas — Juliette M. Tuakli, BSc, MB ChB, LRCP, MRCS, MPH, is a globally recognized medical and public health specialist, philanthropic leader, and diplomatic ambassador. Since 2022, she has served as the Ambassador to Africa for Mercy Ships International, cultivating strategic partnerships with governments, communities, and social organizations to advance the organization’s mission of delivering hope and healing to those in need. Her leadership fosters collaboration across the continent, enabling Mercy Ships to provide surgical and critical medical care, education, and outreach programs that transform communities.
Dr. Tuakli’s medical career is distinguished by her achievements in pediatrics and reproductive health. She became the first African woman to serve as a clinical professor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital of Boston, where her research and service contributed to the establishment of a new Community Medicine Department. She holds advanced medical training from renowned institutions, including UCLA, Queen Charlotte’s Maternity Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Lusaka University Teaching Hospital, reflecting her dedication to improving pediatric care and public health systems.
Beyond clinical work, Dr. Tuakli has demonstrated exceptional leadership in social and civic initiatives. She was the first female Rotary president of Ghana’s premier Anglophone club, advocating for legislation protecting orphaned, disabled, and vulnerable children—a contribution recognized by the African Union in 2016. She co-founded MOREMI Leadership for Young African Women, mentoring over 200 alumni from 53 African countries, and served as CEO and Medical Director of CHILD Accra, delivering pediatric and reproductive health services to underserved populations.
Her corporate and nonprofit governance experience further underscores her impact. Dr. Tuakli has held senior leadership positions, including Chair of the International Board of Trustees at United Way Worldwide, and serves on the boards of Zenith Bank, CarePoint, and the Global Virus Network. Her board participation includes involvement with CHRI—the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. She also provides expertise to advisory committees for international organizations such as the African Union and Nestlé, merging strategic oversight with meaningful social impact. In May 2022, she had the honor of officially christening the Global Mercy™ hospital ship during special inaugural ceremonies in Dakar, Senegal.
Throughout her career, Dr. Tuakli has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to healthcare, public service, and leadership, including the UN Global Citizens Award and multiple lifetime achievement awards, including a recent honor at the Africa Healthcare Awards and Summit (AHAS). Her work exemplifies a lifelong commitment to improving the health and well-being of children, families, and communities across Africa and the world, while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Learn more about Juliette M. Tuakli:
Through her America’s Best in Medicine profile, https://americasbestinmedicine.com/connect/juliette-tuakli or through her profile on Mercy Ships, https://mercyships.africa/about-us/dr-juliette-tuakli/
America’s Best in Medicine
America’s Best in Medicine is a specialist online platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of leading healthcare professionals across the United States. They bring together top healthcare providers from all specialties and cities to share expert-driven articles, research, commentary, and clinical insight. Their core purposes are to showcase excellence in healthcare, build trust between providers and the public, and ensure that expert voices are elevated and heard in shaping medicine. Through their platform, users can access a community of leaders, opportunities for providers to share expertise, and trusted guidance for patients and peers alike.