Preeti Shakya

Focus Areas

Dr. Preeti Shakya is a physician and public health professional who founded Maatri Nepal, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing maternal health equity in underserved communities in Nepal. Maatri focuses on preventing postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality in Nepal, through grassroots interventions including community-based training, maternal health education, and improved access to lifesaving medications. The initiative received the D-Prize in 2021 for its innovative community-based distribution model.

Shakya’s career spans roles with the World Health Organization, UN Women, and Save the Children, where she has contributed to maternal and child health, disease surveillance, and gender-focused initiatives. Her leadership in advancing gender equity earned her a place in the UN Women 30 for 2030 network. She holds a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins University as a Sommer Scholar.

“As a visionary leader, I strive to elevate voices from the margins and shape more inclusive health systems.”