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Rebkha Atnafou-Boyer, MPH, is a distinguished public health leader and the Founder and CEO of RnD Associates, a capacity-building organization headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. With decades of experience in health equity, HIV/AIDS prevention, and community-based initiatives, she has dedicated her career to supporting underserved communities and fostering sustainable health interventions.
A Vision for Public Health
Rebkha’s passion for public health was ignited at a young age. Growing up in Ethiopia, she was deeply affected by preventable diseases that claimed many lives. Her commitment to making a difference led her to pursue a career in public health, ultimately earning her Master’s in Public Health. She initially planned to return to Ethiopia to implement change but was unable to do so due to political instability. Instead, she focused her efforts on working with marginalized communities in the United States, particularly African Americans and immigrant populations.
The Birth of RnD Associates
Rebkha established RnD Associates while serving as a faculty member at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and School of Medicine. Desiring the freedom to design and implement health programs in her own way, she transitioned to part-time academia to focus on her organization. The name “RnD” holds dual significance: it represents both “Research and Development” and the initials of her and her husband, Gupta and David, symbolizing a foundation built on faith and purpose.
RnD Associates provides training, technical assistance, and evaluation support to community-based organizations, helping them build capacity and enhance their impact. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in strengthening health initiatives, particularly in sexual health education and HIV/AIDS prevention.
Addressing HIV/AIDS and Health Disparities
Rebkha’s commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention dates back to the 1980s when she worked as an HIV/AIDS counselor in New York City during the height of the epidemic. Witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of the disease, she dedicated herself to raising awareness, promoting prevention strategies, and advocating for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the virus. Through RnD Associates, she has developed and implemented numerous community outreach programs, ensuring access to life-saving information and services.
One of her significant achievements includes leading efforts to educate communities about PrEP, a medication that prevents HIV transmission. Her organization’s outreach initiatives have introduced countless individuals to PrEP and other preventive measures, helping to reduce infection rates and promote overall sexual health.
Zeni’s Gift: A Legacy of Mentorship
In addition to RnD Associates, Rebkha launched Zeni’s Gift, a mentorship initiative named after her mother, Zenebech, who was known for her wisdom and guidance. This program fosters professional and personal development by connecting mentors and mentees worldwide, including in the U.S. and Africa. Zeni’s Gift has grown into a global network of mentors who not only support each other but also contribute to the mission of RnD Associates.
Community Impact and Achievements
Rebkha’s work extends beyond individual programs. Under her leadership, RnD Associates has collaborated with the Baltimore City Health Department, Howard County, and various faith-based and youth organizations to assess community needs and implement effective health interventions. Notably, she has played a vital role in the Baltimore Rights of Passage Initiative, documenting its impact on young men and their mentors.
Her efforts were instrumental in securing funding from the CDC for a groundbreaking sexual health initiative targeting African American women, who face disproportionately high rates of HIV/AIDS. This initiative, in partnership with The Voice of Africa, seeks to raise awareness, improve access to prevention methods, and address the social determinants affecting health disparities.
A Lasting Impact
Rebkha Atnafou-Boyer’s career is defined by a relentless pursuit of health equity. Through RnD Associates, she has empowered countless individuals and organizations to create meaningful change in their communities. Whether through capacity building, HIV/AIDS advocacy, or mentorship, her work continues to break barriers and build healthier communities for generations to come.
