| Mary Grace Mandigma |
Mary Grace Mandigma is the Chief Science Research Specialist and concurrent Assistant Director-Designate at the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards in the Philippines. She recently led the development and implementation of the STDF- funded project preparation grant (PPG) – Piloting the use of good regulatory practices (GRPs) in agriculture and fisheries. In addition, Grace is a member of several committees, including the National Codex Organization (SCO) subcommittees on General principles and Food Import and Export Inspection. Grace holds a bachelor's degree in food technology from the University of the Philippines and a master's in development management from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
| Martin Kimanya |  |
Martin Kimanya has over 27 years of experience in national and international food safety and quality control services. Currently, he provides scientific advice to the East African Community (EAC) in the harmonization of food standards and SPS measures (through GIZ -Tanzania). He also supervises research on food safety for the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology and provides guidance on the development of Africa positions for the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods. Martin has previously worked with the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) and the former Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA). He holds a PhD in Applied Biological Sciences from Ghent University, Belgium and has a background in food science.
| Jaime Romero |
Jaime Romero is a Colombian expert in Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics with over 20 years experience in strengthening veterinary health services in developing countries. He works with the Institute for Corporation on Agriculture (IICA) as an International Professional in the Agricultural Health, Quality and Food Safety programme. In this position, he provides technical cooperation to 34 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and represents the organization at both international and regional meetings. Jaime has published over 80 pieces in his field, including 30 peer-reviewed papers, eight books, nine book chapters, and four guidelines. He holds a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, an MSc in Agricultural Economics and a bachelor's in veterinary medicine.
| Juliet Goldsmith | |
Juliet Goldsmith is the Plant Health Specialist of the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA), the Regional Plant Protection Organization (RPPO) for the Caribbean Region. She is an entomologist and pest risk analyst with over two decades of experience working in agriculture, including pest management, plant pest diagnostics and pesticide life cycle management. Previously, Juliet was a Senior Plant Protection Officer and Manager of the Pest Risk Analysis Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture in Jamaica. She holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biology from the Northern Caribbean University and has published several scientific papers and articles.
Juliet will complete her term as a developing country expert on 31 December 2023.
| Unesu Ushewokunze-Obatolu | |
Unesu Ushewokunze-Obatolu is one of Africa's certified experts to carry out WOAH's Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) pathway missions. She is a veterinary epidemiologist with over 35 years of experience in Zimbabwe's veterinary services. Her skills include laboratory diagnostics and quality management, epidemiological surveillance, import risk analysis and animal health research. At various stages of her career, Unesu has held several key administrative positions, beginning as Head of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics and Research Services, which later incorporated Veterinary Public Health, followed by Head of Field Veterinary Services. Her last post was as Chief Veterinary Officer and Delegate to the WOAH. She holds a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology from the University of Zimbabwe.
Unesu will complete her term as a developing country expert on 31 December 2023.
| Sithar Dorjee | |
Sithar Dorjee is currently Director for Strategic Planning, Human Resource, and International Relations at the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences in Bhutan (KGUMSB). He has over 20 years' experience in animal health and food safety, One Health, and as Assistant Professor of Epidemiology. Sithar is also the Regional Coordinator for the South Asia One Health Disease Surveillance Network and Chair of the Technical Advisory Group for COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Management of Bhutan's Royal Government. He holds a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Prince Edward Island of Canada and is involved in research, training and teaching on zoonotic and foodborne diseases in Bhutan and the region.
Sithar will complete his term as a developing country expert on 31 December 2023.