Mercy Juma

Mercy Juma is a multi-award-winning global journalist, currently working as the BBC News, East Africa correspondent and a strategic communications specialist, with expertise in social impact storytelling, designing and implementing evidence based, culturally relevant messages, and strategic communication plans. She holds a master’s degree in International Relations from United States International University – Africa and sits on the board of Development Media International, DMI. Mercy has extensive knowledge on issues around sustainable development, climate change, maternal newborn, child and adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health, and rights, and preventing violent extremism.  She is the first recipient of the inaugural Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling, a continent-wide award that honours journalists in Africa who strive to strengthen people's voices and illuminate the transformational change taking place on the continent and she’s also a United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists fellow. As a speaker and moderator, she has presented, and facilitated dynamic and engaging discussions on various platforms including the United Nations General Assembly, the Inter Parliamentary Union, the International Journalism Festival, the World Health Assembly and several major Global Health and Science conferences.