We Are HIMSS Member Spotlight: Deborah Maufi

At HIMSS, our members are the heart of our organization, made up of more than 100,000 individuals, 480 provider organizations, 470 non-profit partners and 650 health services organizations. Because their contributions are essential to our success, we seek to recognize their many accomplishments across title, worksite, region and career stage. Today and every day, we celebrate the essential endeavors of these health information and technology changemakers. #wearehimss

Deborah Maufi is an ambassador on the Global Health Equity Network Advisory Task Force.

Deborah Maufi, MD, MBA
Chief Medical Officer
Babymoon Care BV

Why are you passionate about championing health equity?

Health inequity has a personal touch to me. Growing up a woman in a developing nation, it has been a challenge to access quality healthcare, from lack of information, respectful care, and availability of primary healthcare needs. I got educated enough to later understand, afford and demand quality healthcare, but there are so many other people left behind. If I have the platform and opportunity to make a change, why shouldn't I use it to pull others up towards attaining their human right to health?

Briefly describe what you do to support health equity.

Over the years, I have supported health equity by bridging the health education and information gap among healthcare workers, community health workers and the community. Among marginalized groups such as women, people living with HIV and other key, vulnerable populations, (I have been) specifically focused on empowering these marginalized groups to attain their sexual and reproductive health potential as a human right and (in support of) maternal and child health.

What gives you hope for the future?

Seeing where we came from gives me hope and motivation that the future will be better. One day at a time, but make each day count. 

What are your favorite quotes?

''In health, there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties.” – Henri Federic Amiel.
''Life is not as serious as the mind makes it to be.” – Eckhart Tolle