In the bustling corridors of The Nairobi Hospital, a young Carol Banks began her journey in healthcare, tending to patients with a heart full of empathy and a mind eager to learn. Each patient she cared for taught her a lesson she would carry for life: the importance of connection, the urgency of action, and the profound impact of hope. In those formative years, Carol realized that healthcare was more than just procedures and protocols—it was a bridge between compassion and innovation, a lifeline that could transform lives when wielded with purpose.
As she moved beyond the hospital walls, Carol’s curiosity grew. She wanted to understand how medicines were made accessible, how systems were designed, and how strategies were shaped to meet the needs of millions. Her leap into the pharmaceutical sector was driven by a question she often asked herself: How can we do more, better, and faster for the people who rely on us the most?
Every step of her journey from managing healthcare operations across East Africa to championing data-driven solutions at IQVIA was a chapter filled with challenges, revelations, and growth. Along the way, Carol learned to navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry, from patient bedsides to boardrooms, always with a singular focus: to create lasting impact.
Today, Carol stands as a visionary leader, channelling decades of experience and a lifetime of lessons into transforming Africa’s healthcare landscape. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and an unyielding belief in the power of collective action. It’s a story that continues to unfold as she works tirelessly to bridge gaps, empower communities, and build a future where healthcare in Africa is inclusive, innovative, and deeply connected to those it serves.
Early Career: Laying the Foundation at The Nairobi Hospital
Carol’s journey in healthcare began at The Nairobi Hospital, where she worked for four years after graduating from its College of Health Sciences. During her time there, she developed a deep connection to patient care, which became the cornerstone of her career. As a bedside nurse, she not only honed her technical skills but also cultivated a profound understanding of the human side of healthcare. These experiences laid the foundation for her desire to make a broader impact on the industry.
Expanding Horizons: Entering the Pharmaceutical Sector
Seeking new challenges, Carol transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, joining GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). At GSK, she gained valuable insights into the commercial aspects of healthcare, from drug distribution to market dynamics. This experience equipped her with a unique perspective on how corporate strategies can intersect with patient care, reinforcing her belief that healthcare systems must serve the people at their core.
A Regional Perspective: Leadership Across East Africa
Carol’s career took a transformative turn when she joined Beckton Dickinson, a leading global medical technology company. In this role, she worked across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, marking her first foray into regional leadership. Managing operations in multiple countries broadened her understanding of the diverse healthcare challenges in East Africa. It also strengthened her ability to navigate complex healthcare ecosystems, collaborate with governments, and build lasting partnerships.
Pioneering Work at IQVIA: Driving Data-Driven Healthcare
In 2014, Carol joined IMS Health (later IQVIA), where she spent nearly a decade spearheading healthcare solutions across East Africa. Rising from a Key Account Manager to General Manager, she worked closely with governments, private sector leaders, and development partners to tackle critical healthcare issues.
One of her most significant contributions was revolutionizing the pharmaceutical landscape in Kenya. When she joined IMS Health, there was little understanding of the market’s size or dynamics. Through persistent efforts, Carol convinced distributors and pharmaceutical companies to share data, paving the way for more informed decision-making. Today, Kenya is recognized as a leader in pharmaceutical market insights, a legacy Carol takes immense pride in.
During her tenure at IQVIA, Carol also worked with donors and development partners to quantify disease burdens, assess growth opportunities, and develop strategies to improve healthcare delivery. Her leadership showcased the importance of leveraging data to drive policy changes and healthcare improvements.
A Return to Purpose: Founding CB Health for Africa
By 2022, Carol felt a calling to return to the roots of her healthcare journey—patient-centered care. With this in mind, she established CB Health for Africa, a consultancy focused on bridging gaps in healthcare systems. While her work at IQVIA had been impactful, she yearned to reconnect with the foundational mission of improving patient outcomes.
However, Carol quickly realized that Africa’s healthcare future lay in digital transformation. As more governments began prioritizing the digitalization of healthcare systems, Carol identified a critical gap: the lack of digital skills among healthcare workers. Recognizing this as both a challenge and an opportunity, she decided to pivot her focus to address this pressing need.
Digital Pulse Africa: Empowering Learners, Inspiring Leaders, Enabling Healers
In 2024, Carol co-founded Digital Pulse Africa with a colleague who shared her vision. The company aims to bridge the digital skills gap among healthcare workers, ensuring they are equipped to support government efforts in healthcare digitalization.
“Healthcare in Africa is on the brink of a digital revolution,” Carol explains. “Many governments are embarking on nationwide health digitalization programs, but there’s a significant gap in digital literacy among healthcare workers. That’s where Digital Pulse Africa steps in.”
The company collaborates with governments, development partners, and private sector organizations to provide accessible training and resources for healthcare workers. From community health workers to specialized practitioners, Digital Pulse Africa tailors its programs to address the unique needs of each country and healthcare profession. This dedication to building human and institutional capacity has become a cornerstone of Carol’s mission to strengthen Africa’s health systems.
Coordinating the Inaugural Africa HealthTech CEO Forum
As part of her commitment to advancing HealthTech, Carol is currently leading the preparations for the inaugural Africa HealthTech CEO Forum. Scheduled to take place in Kigali from October 13-15, 2025, this groundbreaking event will run alongside the 4th Edition of the Africa HealthTech Summit. The Forum is designed to convene top HealthTech executives, fostering dialogue and collaboration to drive innovation and resilience in Africa’s healthcare systems.
“The Africa HealthTech CEO Forum is more than just an event; it’s a platform to reimagine healthcare in Africa,” Carol says. “Bringing together visionary leaders in HealthTech creates opportunities to share insights, forge partnerships, and align strategies toward a common goal: improving healthcare access and outcomes for all.”
Carol’s leadership in this initiative underscores her ability to bridge strategy and execution. It also solidifies her position as an outstanding leader who can envision transformative solutions while building the coalitions necessary to implement them effectively.
Personal Passions: A Holistic Approach to Leadership
Carol’s approach to leadership is deeply influenced by her passions, including fitness, motivational speaking, and mentoring. She believes in the philosophy of self-care as a foundation for effective leadership.
“You can only pour from a full cup,” Carol says. “Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary. Fitness has been my anchor, helping me build resilience and release stress. It’s not just about physical health; it’s about mental clarity and focus.”
Carol is also a strong advocate for ethical leadership, a theme she explores in her book, “Ethical Leadership: Creating a Culture of Trust and Responsibility.” The book emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and leading by example. It has become a source of inspiration for young leaders across Africa, encouraging them to focus on the impact they can create in their communities.
Future Plans: A Legacy of Collaboration and Impact
Looking ahead, Carol envisions Digital Pulse Africa becoming the go-to resource for healthcare digitalization across the continent. She sees her role as a connector, bringing together governments, private sector players, and development partners to create sustainable solutions.
“There’s so much fragmentation in healthcare initiatives across Africa,” Carol observes. “My goal is to aggregate resources, facilitate collaboration, and ensure that digital health transformation reaches every corner of the continent. It’s not about reinventing the wheel—it’s about making existing solutions more accessible and impactful.”
Beyond Digital Pulse Africa, Carol remains committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders. She is particularly passionate about encouraging healthcare professionals to see themselves as more than just technical experts. Her own journey—from bedside nurse to general manager of a Fortune 500 company—serves as a powerful example of what’s possible with determination and vision.
Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Entrepreneurs
Carol offers valuable advice for those looking to venture into the healthcare sector:
- Know Your Strengths: “The healthcare industry is vast. Identify your expertise and find your niche. Your strengths will guide you to where you can make the most impact.”
- Stay Patient-Centered: “Always remember that the ultimate goal of healthcare is to improve patient outcomes. Keep that at the heart of everything you do.”
- Embrace Collaboration: “No one can transform healthcare alone. Build partnerships, connect with others, and work collectively to address challenges.”
- Be Resilient: “The journey won’t be easy, but persistence and adaptability will see you through.”
A Lasting Legacy
As Carol Banks continues her mission to transform Africa’s healthcare systems, she remains grounded in her core values of trust, responsibility, and collaboration. Whether through Digital Pulse Africa, her book on ethical leadership, or her mentorship initiatives, Carol’s impact is felt across the continent.
“I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference—not just in the healthcare sector, but in the lives of people,” Carol reflects. “For me, success is not just about achievements; it’s about leaving a legacy of positive change.”
Carol Banks is not just a leader; she is an inspiration, a connector, and a visionary dedicated to building the Africa we all aspire to see. Her journey reminds us that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, we can create a future where healthcare is accessible, innovative, and inclusive for all.
