Dr Joseph Muga describes himself as a systems enabler. After a stint in hospital wards where he saw first-hand how poorly implemented policies aggravated the suffering of patients, he decided to switch career gears.
“I saw how health policies, if well implemented, would positively affect the medical sector. I started thinking of how I could influence policy to better the lives of our patients and improve access to quality, affordable healthcare.”
Today, operating from Lagos, Nigeria, as the Medical Head at Sanofi—a global healthcare and pharmaceutical company, he plays a crucial interfacing role between governments, medical practitioners, and patients.
“I am a systems enabler. From the time a drug is discovered to the point it is administered, there is a need to have proper systems in place to ensure optimum patient impact. That is my work here,” he says of his workstation for the last seven years.
"There isn't a peak in learning in whatever field you find yourself in. You can't assume that you have learned enough, even at the peak of your career."
But he didn’t just walk from the hospital ward to the policymaker’s table.
Over the years, to accelerate his career growth, he has undertaken multiple professional certifications in project management, public health, leadership, and pharmaceutical affairs to elevate his understanding.
The Moi University School of Medicine graduate and son of a medical doctor is a lifelong student.
“There isn’t a peak in learning in whatever field you find yourself in. You can’t assume that you have learned enough, even at the peak of your career. There is always room for more,” says he.
He credits his steep career trajectory to a senior management position to his affinity for taking risks and thinking outside the box. Ultimately, he says self-actualisation for him is becoming the CEO of a leading multinational organisation and truly improving healthcare in Africa and worldwide.
He is a firm believer and proponent of living a healthy lifestyle. He takes the stairs instead of the lift. He adheres to a strict athletic routine and aspires to be a pro swimmer.
He draws inspiration from family and lives by the mantra, put God first, love your family & serve humanity.
His biggest lesson in his career and life is “Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.”
Ndugu Abisai