Dr. Rhoda Jura Kriek assumed the role of CURE Malawi’s Executive Director on January 29th, 2025. A dedicated medical professional with a strong commitment to enhancing primary healthcare and combating non-communicable diseases, she joins Beit CURE Children’s Hospital of Malawi, having relocated from Kenya, where she served as the visionary founder and CEO of Amber Medical, a tech-enabled health and wellness organization at the forefront of curating comprehensive wellbeing programs for both individuals and corporations. In addition, she served as President of Amber Care Foundation, a non-profit with a vision to end catastrophic healthcare spending at the household level, as well as Co-chair of Africa Medtech Hub which is dedicated to advancing innovation in primary healthcare.
In search of impact, Dr. Kriek was particularly drawn to CURE because of its clear mission: to heal the sick and proclaim the word of God. Upon getting to know the organization, she recognized CURE’s distinctiveness. “CURE does what it says it does,” she notes, “and the numbers support this claim.” The organization’s emphasis on programs and lean administrative expenses demonstrated to her that the work was intentional and truly benefited the children they serve. Her first impressions of CURE Malawi were refreshing. “Children ran past me, laughing and playing. They seemed so at home. I could tell this was a place that had created an environment where children feel comfortable and cared for, and I wanted to be a part of that impact.”
Dr. Kriek’s appointment comes at a time of growth for CURE Malawi, exemplified by the construction of a new surgical centre that will expand the hospital’s capacity. As an institution, CURE will benefit from Dr. Kriek’s entrepreneurial mindset and strategic thinking. “I value resources, and in our line of work, every dollar counts,” she explains.
Building relationships is another top priority for Dr. Kriek, aligning with CURE’s core value of intentional relationships. “I want to spend time getting to know the people working at CURE Malawi—not just their positions, but who they are and their stories,” she says. In healthcare, humans are both our most expensive and most important resource. With 65% of expenditures going to people, it’s crucial that their mental health and well-being are prioritized.”
As she settles into her new role, Dr. Kriek continues to focus on strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders. She also emphasizes the importance of measurable outcomes: “There is a need for measurement and collection of good data in the creation of our work. The (new) electronic medical records system will help, but we must also figure out how to predict trends and use data to measure our impact. It is not enough to say we are making an impact; we must know exactly what that impact is.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Kriek envisions a future where CURE Malawi continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact in the community. With her blend of strategic leadership and commitment to healthcare excellence, Dr. Kriek is poised to lead CURE Malawi into its next chapter.
To learn more about not just Dr. Rhoda but all the leaders of CURE Malawi, please click here.
