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Joseph (Joe) Kinahan, a 1986 graduate in Electronic Engineering from ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, has dedicated the past 13 years to transformative humanitarian work in maternal health across Sub-Saharan Africa. After a successful 20-year career in Silicon Valley with Analog Devices, Joe transitioned to full-time voluntary service as Executive Director of the Maternal Health Foundation (MHF), driven by a profound commitment to women’s health and social equity.

Joe’s work has impacted thousands of lives in Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. In Ethiopia, MHF has supported over 100 rural maternal health sites, funded midwife deployment from Hamlin Midwifery College, and contributed to infrastructure upgrades at facilities such as Bushulo MNCH-SC in Hawassa, Fistula Hospital and March 8 MNCH-SC in Mekelle. In Uganda, Joe was a major contributor to the creation of the TERREWODE Women’s Community Hospital, now the only FIGO Fistula Training Centre In Uganda. In Ghana, he revitalised the Mercy Women’s Catholic Hospital Fistula Centre, transforming it into the national referral and training site for fistula care. Most recently, Joe is expanding into Sierra Leone, partnering with established Maternal Health Africa to use state of the art medical technology and satellite connectivity using a hub- and-spoke model to transform rural emergency obstetric care.

Joe’s leadership is marked by optimism, ingenuity, and a hands-on approach. He is known for building sustainable partnerships, empowering local professionals, and navigating complex challenges with humility and resolve. His humanitarian ethos is inspired by his mother, Helen Kinahan R.I.P., and the legacy of Dr Catherine Hamlin.

Joe Kinahan exemplifies UL’s values of integrity, leadership, and global citizenship. His technical foundation and unwavering humanitarian drive make him a deserving recipient of the UL Humanitarian Alumni Award.