MEET THE FOUNDERS
In a groundbreaking fusion of passion and expertise, two female founders are reshaping the landscape of women’s health. With a mission to empower women through innovative solutions, they blend cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, addressing the unique health challenges women face today. Vanessa and Abbie’s commitment goes beyond healthcare. They are striving to create a supportive community where women can share their experiences, access reliable information, and prioritise their health. Together, they are not just leaders in the health industry but champions of a movement that advocates for women's well-being to inspire future generations.
Dr. Vanessa Apea is a dynamic advocate for health equity, whose extensive clinical and academic expertise positions her at the forefront of medicine, public health, and social justice. As a Consultant Physician in Genito-urinary Medicine, she specialises in women’s health, with a strong focus on addressing healthcare disparities. Based between London and Accra, she also serves as an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, where she recently held the role of deputy academic lead for equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Dr. Apea received her medical degree from Guys, Kings and St Thomas’ Medical School in the UK and went on to specialise in Sexual Health and HIV medicine. She is a former Fulbright scholar and holds a Master of Public Health (Summa Cum Laude) from the Harvard School of Public Health, reflecting her dedication to global health challenges and her commitment to addressing inequalities on a systemic level.
With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Apea has earned recognition for her contributions to improving healthcare access for marginalised communities. She was honoured with the NHS 70 Windrush Award for her impact on health equity. Her research focuses on the social determinants of health and the intersections of race, gender, and healthcare access, particularly within HIV and sexual health services. As the principal investigator of the ALIVE study, funded by Barts Charity, she is leading efforts to explore the lived experiences of minoritised communities in East London. Her research also addresses the effects of ethnicity on COVID-19 outcomes, contributing critical insights to global conversations about health equity during the pandemic.
A passionate advocate for Black women’s health, Dr. Apea co-led the development of the UK Black Women’s Health Manifesto, a landmark document prioritising strategies to address healthcare disparities. She is also a HARP Fellow, pursuing a PhD focused on the dynamics between healthcare professionals and Black women. Her dedication to this cause is reflected in her leadership roles across several initiatives, including chairing the National Audit Group of the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV and serving as a member of the London Fast-Track Cities Initiative stigma subgroup, working towards eliminating HIV stigma in London.
Dr. Apea’s commitment extends beyond research and clinical practice. She is a sought-after speaker and health communicator, regularly contributing to discussions on health equity, Black women’s health, sexual health, and HIV. She has appeared on numerous platforms, including BBC Morning Live, Sky News, ITV News, The Guardian, and The Voice, using her voice to advocate for better health outcomes. Her community engagement work includes delivering health and wellbeing workshops, seminars, and webinars aimed at empowering communities and promoting health literacy.
As Medical Director of NAZ, a charity dedicated to sexual health services for racially minoritised communities, and co-Medical Director of Preventx, the UK’s largest provider of remote sexual health testing, Dr. Apea continues to push boundaries in creating inclusive healthcare systems. She played an integral role in the launch of Global Zero HIV Stigma Day, reinforcing her commitment to eradicating stigma and inequality in healthcare.
At the core of Dr. Apea’s work is her unwavering belief that healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Her mission is to create equitable health systems that address the root causes of inequality, including racism, sexism, and economic disparity. Through her platform, HerWell, she is dedicated to empowering communities and driving systemic change.
For speaking engagements, collaborations, or media inquiries, please connect with Dr. Apea via LinkedIn.
Abigail Awukubea Ninson (Abbie) has dedicated her career to advancing women's health through a blend of scientific research, advocacy, and leadership in oncology care. With a background in Biochemistry (BSc) from KNUST, Ghana, and a Master's in Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology from the University of Nottingham, UK, Abbie has conducted in-depth research on Triple Negative Breast Cancer, focusing on one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer that disproportionately affects women of African descent.
Her journey in women's health advocacy began as a Research Assistant at KCCR, where she was instrumental in recruiting women living with HIV for cervical cancer screening and performing molecular analysis. This early experience deepened her commitment to improving health outcomes for women at risk of cancer. At the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, Abbie spearheaded the creation of the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry, a key milestone in clinical research for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. Her role extended beyond research, as she also led marketing campaigns across West Africa, positioning SGMC as a leading cancer center in the region.
As a Patient Journey Partner at Roche, Abbie worked closely with healthcare professionals across Ghana to advocate for the comprehensive care of women living with breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers, ensuring their unique needs were addressed. She expanded her impact as an Oncology Business Partner & Care Coordinator at The Trust Hospital, where she was pivotal in developing and managing cancer care services, helping to enhance patient care and streamline treatment pathways.
Currently, as the Head of Research & Strategy at Embrace Society Ghana, Abbie continues to champion the well-being of women with breast cancer, guiding patients through treatment and empowering survivors to provide support for others. Her commitment to women's health extends through her work with HerWell, where she aims to create a safe space for education, advocacy, and support for women's sexual and reproductive health, menopause, and mental well-being.
Abbie’s strategic vision ensures that HerWell’s initiatives are not only impactful but also scalable, enabling the foundation to reach more women and communities with vital health information and support.