Leadership Team Grows at United Front Against Riverblindness (UFAR)
CONTACT: Ida Cahill.
Phone: 609–902–1805. Email: ICahill@riverblindness.org
Lawrenceville, New Jersey
March 2021
UFAR, an international organization whose mission is to improve people’s health by defeating targeted neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) recently announced the appointment of Julie Meyers, MA, CFRE as the Executive Director of US Based Operations, the new position will oversee US operations and has a special focus on exploring new fundraising strategies and building capacity. Meyers has spent decades enhancing and strengthening non-profit organizations.
Most recently, Julie led her talents to a cross-cultural exchange between the US and Uganda, which included spending the summer of 2019 in Uganda.
“UFAR is growing and the time has come to add another level of expertise to help us expand our mission and fundraising efforts. The UFAR Board is impressed with Julie’s passion and enthusiasm to work in support of humanitarian programs in Africa.. We know our supporters will enjoy getting to know her,” said Dr. Daniel Shungu, Founder and CEO.
Meyers stated, “UFAR is an exceptional organization impacting the lives of millions of people in the DRC and I am humbled to be part of this vital mission and work.” With Meyers’ addition, Dr. Shungu will be able to spend more time in the DRC advocating strong leadership and political will by the government including domestic funding to ensure sustainability and proper progress towards the ultimate goal of eliminating key NTDs in the DRC.
Dr. Shungu added, “We’re delighted that UFAR is growing — but if we are going to be successful eliminating these debilitating and dreadful diseases — everyone must play their part — — Governments, NGOs, empowered volunteers, endemic communities and of course, each and every one of us”.
Dr. Anne-Marie Gardner, Chair of UFAR’s Board of Directors expressed that, “There is only one Dr. Daniel Shungu. His passion and dedication to UFAR’s mission and the people of the Congo are an inspiration to all. There is no more tireless advocate for all people’s health and well-being than Daniel.” Gardner continued, “We anticipate great strides having two strong leaders at UFAR’s helm.”
Meyers shared that “UFAR plays a vital role in eliminating the many neglected tropical diseases that seriously harm and debilitate children and adults in the DRC. These parasitic diseases cause blindness and illness and can be prevented with the medications that UFAR distributes.” She continued, “ I am in awe of the transformative work that has already been accomplished and look forward to collaborating with Dr. Shungu, the board, the staff and getting to know our dedicated partners and our generous supporters.”
Through a well-integrated and evidence-based program, UFAR manages the distribution of preventive medicines to millions living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the proven achievable goal of the eventual control and elimination of several targeted neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In 2019, UFAR managed a network that provided appropriate medications to well over 25.4 million people.
UFAR is a trusted, impactful, dedicated health-focused organization determined to make profound strides in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
For more information or to get involved in UFAR’s transformative work, visit their website at www.riverblindness.org
or find UFAR on Facebook at United Front Against Riverblindness (UFAR) (www.facebook.com/StopNTDs)
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