CATRDR is not just a registry — it’s a voice for the voiceless in regenerative medicine. We advocate for ethical inclusion, equitable access, and ancestry-informed policy change. Our mission is to ensure that regenerative and advanced therapies are accessible not just to a privileged few, but to the global majority.
When a child in Dar es Salaam, Delhi, or Durban needs a matched stem cell donor, it should not be a matter of luck or wealth. Every donation to CATRDR helps us close the ancestral match gap, reduce transplant wait times, and provide rare disease grants where no other support exists.
Founding Chairperson
A champion of global health equity and regenerative access, Salmaan Dalvi has spearheaded numerous initiatives across the UK, Africa, and the Commonwealth to improve access to advanced medical technologies for underrepresented populations. With a background spanning health diplomacy, rare disease policy, and donor advocacy, he founded CATRDR to bring ancestral equity and scientific innovation together.
Director of Systems
Chris McManus brings expertise in operational excellence, Insurance, government partnerships, and large-scale systems thinking. With a background in UK and Global Insurance Industry, Chris leads CATRDR’s strategy for regional integration, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term health infrastructure planning.
Medical Director
Professor Asma Khalil is a world-renowned consultant in Maternal and Fetal Medicine and a leading voice in global health innovation. She oversees the clinical direction of CATRDR, ensuring that our protocols for regenerative care, donor screening, and treatment eligibility adhere to the highest medical and ethical standards. Her research and leadership continue to shape policy and practice worldwide.
Chief Technology Architect
Zameer Khan is a senior technologist and digital innovation expert with over two decades of experience in cloud infrastructure, data security, and global platform development. As CATRDR’s Chief Technology Architect, he leads the creation of secure, scalable systems that enable real-time donor matching, global rare disease mapping, and registry integration across borders.
Abdulla serves as the CEO of Al Dhow Capital Co-Founder - GICTC . He drives Al Dhow Capital strategy and is involved in all the investment phases, including exploring investment opportunities, evaluating, negotiating, and selecting. Abdulla has over 17 years of experience in Telecommunications and Technology.
Dr. Ntuli Angyelile Kapologwe is a seasoned public health leader with over 20 years of experience in health systems management, reproductive health, health financing, Public and global health Diplomacy. He currently serves as the Director General of the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), leading health advocacy and collaboration efforts across 30 African countries. His academic journey includes an MD from the University of Dar es Salaam, an MPH from Tumaini University, an MBA in International Health Management from Swiss TPH, and a PhD in Public Health(Financing) from the University of Dodoma.He has also completed advanced leadership programs at Aalto University and the University of Washington. Dr.Kapologwe has held key leadership roles in Tanzania’s health sector, including Director positions at the Ministry of Health and the President’s Office - Regional Administration and Local Government.Notably, he oversaw the construction of over 3, 800 primary health facilities, expanding healthcare access from 50 % to 85 % of the population. Among pioneers of digital health, Dr.Kapologwe co - created the m - mama emergency transport system, which has saved over 5, 100 lives and expanded across several African countries.He also championed Tanzania’s Community Health Worker initiative, aiming to deploy over 137,000 workers, and led the country’s COVID - 19 vaccination campaign to a 95 % coverage rate. His leadership in outbreak response, including for COVID - 19 and Marburg virus in 2023 and 2025, has strengthened Tanzania’s health emergency preparedness.Internationally, he has been involved in negotiating partnerships and funding allocations for the ECSA and African region.He has also contributed to the revision of the International Health Regulations and played a role in shaping the Pandemic Treaty through the WHO’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Body. Dr.Kapologwe is also a respected academic and mentor, serving as a senior lecturer at the University of Dodoma.He has authored over 140 peer - reviewed articles and co - edited two influential books on primary health care.A founding member of the East Central and Southern Africa - College of Public Health Physicians, his work continues to shape health Policy and Diplomacy across ECSA region and Africa at large.
Dr. Neil Counihan is a London-based orthodontist, leadership expert, and adventurer whose diverse pursuits are united by a deep commitment to helping others and addressing unmet needs. With a master’s degree in stem cell science, he combines clinical expertise with innovation, making complex topics accessible through his educational books on stem cells. Driven by purpose and curiosity, Dr. Counihan brings strategic insight and a passion for transformative healthcare to every space he enters.
Represents Cape Town and the Cape Malay, Kokani and African Diaspora
Ayesha Bawa is a Cape Town–based author of mixed heritage and a committed advocate for African identity and storytelling. Her debut novel, The Weapon, evolved from a bedtime story into a celebrated work promoting community and cultural pride. Alongside her literary work, Ayesha is a passionate stem cell advocate, raising awareness about donor diversity and the urgent need for representation in regenerative medicine. Through storytelling and activism, she empowers future generations to embrace their identity and play a role in healing their communities.
Represents the Sonjo/Ikoma Ancestry of Tanzania
Rachel is passionate about advancing regenerative medicine and equitable healthcare across Africa. She drives policy advocacy, capacity building, and access to rare disease care, championing data-driven, sustainable innovations that transform underserved communities.
Represents Zanzibar and the UK Diaspora
Halima is a dedicated phlebotomist, sickle cell warrior, and passionate stem cell advocate, specialising in cord blood collection. Drawing from her personal journey and professional expertise, she champions equitable access to regenerative therapies for underrepresented communities. Halima bridges clinical practice and advocacy to raise awareness, empower patients, and promote life-saving donations across the diaspora.
Mr. Willson Telephone Mpina is a Medical Student at the University of Dodoma- Tanzania, a public health advocate and a Passionate Global and one Health leader.He is a Climate and Health advocate focused on empowering Healthcare in tackling Climate Change impacts on Healthcare.He has a bold vision of harmonizing Climate change policies and Public health in East and Central Africa.
