Empowering communities through education, access, and advocacy.
Global Asthma and COPD Outreach, Inc. (GACO) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of individuals affected by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). GACO serves patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals by providing evidence- based education, hands-on training, advocacy, and improved access to care.
Our mission centers on addressing the gaps in respiratory health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and underserved regions, where resources and awareness are often limited. We offer both virtual and in-person programs designed to empower communities, reduce preventable hospitalizations, and improve quality of life.
At GACO, we believe that everyone, regardless of where they live, deserves to breathe freely and live fully.
Founder & CEO, GACO
Program Director, GACO
Director of Operations, GACO
Director for Research and Evaluation – Global Asthma and COPD Outreach (GACO)
Assistant Program Director (French and English Programs)
Assistant Program Director (Arabic and English Programs)
Assistant Program Director (Swahili and English Programs)
Founder, Triibe Medical | Board Member, GACO
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Medical Advisory Team Member, Global Asthma and COPD Outreach (GACO)
Education, Workforce and Community Engagement Advisory Team, GACO
Education, Workforce, and Community Engagement Advisory Team (GACO)
Medical Advisory Team (GACO)
West Africa
West Africa
West Africa
West Africa
West Africa
Central Africa
West Africa
West Africa
West Africa
West Africa
West Africa
I’m Dr. Ngozi Ibe, a respiratory therapist with over 12 years of experience caring for individuals living with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). My work has always been guided by one truth:
“There are lives dependent on my skills, gifts, talents, and expertise. I cannot let them down. So, I show up daily for them.”
This belief drives everything I do, whether I’m at the bedside, leading a training, teaching in the classroom, or advocating for better health policies.
Over the past decade, I’ve worked in both clinical and community-based settings, leading an asthma and COPD clinic where I partner with pulmonary physicians to educate patients and promote better disease management. As a COPD navigator, I follow up with patients after hospital discharge, helping them avoid readmissions and empowering them to take control of their health.
But my passion for respiratory care is rooted in more than my professional experience. It is deeply personal. I grew up in Nigeria, where I witnessed the devastating impact of limited access to healthcare. Later, working in underserved communities in the U.S., I saw the same pattern repeat: inequity, lack of resources, and preventable suffering. These experiences solidified my commitment to global health equity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and under-resourced regions.
As part of this mission, I serve as the Director of Advocacy and Policy for the Africa Respiratory Care Association (ARCA), where I work to elevate the respiratory therapy profession across African health systems. At ARCA, we believe that the high prevalence of respiratory diseases calls for a specialized and dedicated profession, one that is equipped to meet the complex needs of patients and advance respiratory health across the continent. I was also honored to be selected by the World Health Organization as a member of the COPD Global Development Group (GDG), a panel of global experts tasked with updating evidence-based guidelines to improve care and outcomes for people living with COPD worldwide.
That same passion was the driving force behind the creation of the Global Asthma and COPD Outreach, Inc. (GACO), an organization created to serve as a bridge between knowledge and need, between compassion and action. GACO provides virtual and in-person education, training, access to care, and advocacy for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in the communities that need it most. As funding becomes available, GACO is committed to sponsoring part or all of the cost of inhalers for individuals who cannot afford them, because breathing should never be a luxury.
As part of my mission to build a stronger healthcare future, I also teach college students pursuing degrees in respiratory therapy and nursing. I’m passionate about molding future healthcare professionals to do more than just deliver treatment. I equip them to educate, advocate, and lead with empathy in the communities they serve.
I hold a Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) degree with a concentration in Global Health, and I believe that with the right tools, education, and support, we can reduce preventable respiratory illnesses and help people everywhere breathe easier.
This is not just a mission. It’s a calling. And I won’t let the people depending on us down.
I’m a respiratory therapist with over 20 years of experience at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. I began my journey in respiratory care after earning my Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy from Prince George’s Community College in 2008, and I recently completed my Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy to continue growing in the field I love.
I’m a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and hold the Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) credential. For more than a decade, I've also served as a clinical instructor at Prince George’s Community College, where I have the privilege of mentoring and training the next generation of respiratory care professionals.
My work has always centered around caring for individuals with acute and chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. Beyond the hospital, I’m passionate about community outreach, educating patients and families, particularly in underserved areas, about managing their conditions and improving their quality of life. I believe that empowering both patients and healthcare providers with knowledge is key to better outcomes.
As the Program Director for the Global Asthma and COPD Outreach (GACO), I bring together my clinical experience, love for teaching, and dedication to health equity. I enjoy working alongside interdisciplinary teams and continuously learning from my colleagues during patient care rounds. Through my work, I aim to give back to the community that shaped me, and to help others do the same.
Kimberly Onwukwe is a seasoned healthcare professional with over a decade of experience as a
registered respiratory therapist. She specializes in the care of critically ill patients with COPD
and asthma, delivering advanced respiratory support in a variety of acute care settings.
Living with asthma herself, Kimberly brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. Her life
experience fuels her commitment to accessible wellness solutions and compassionate, patient-
centered care for those living with chronic respiratory diseases.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Kimberly is passionate about educating and empowering
individuals in the community. She regularly volunteers her time to lead outreach initiatives,
providing education, resources, and support to help patients better manage their conditions and
improve their quality of life.
To expand her impact beyond clinical care, Kimberly earned a dual degree in Business
Administration and Human Resource Management. This unique combination of skills allows her
to lead strategic initiatives that bridge the gap between healthcare delivery and organizational
development.
At Global Asthma and COPD Outreach, Kimberly is focused on building supportive cultures,
aligning operational goals with human-centered leadership, and developing the next generation
of healthcare leaders. Her blend of clinical insight and HR strategy makes her a vital asset in
shaping resilient, mission-driven healthcare teams.
Gail Drescher is an accomplished respiratory therapist, medical writer, and clinical specialist with more than three decades of experience advancing respiratory care, education, and scientific research. She holds a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Maryland and a degree in Respiratory Therapy from Prince George’s Community College.
As Director for Research and Evaluation at GACO, Gail leads the organization’s efforts to ensure that all programs and educational initiatives are evidence-based, data-driven, and outcome-focused. She oversees the development of research protocols, program evaluation frameworks, and collaborative studies that strengthen GACO’s global impact in asthma and COPD care.
Gail had previously served as a Science Writer at ICF, supporting the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the preparation of executive summaries and research reports on topics such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, and cancer. She was also a Technical Editor for the RESPIRATORY CARE journal of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC),
contributing to clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based publications that shape respiratory care standards globally.
At MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where she has served since 1998, Gail has led numerous research and clinical education initiatives in critical care and pulmonary medicine. Her work includes developing grant-funded programs, publishing peer-reviewed studies, and providing professional training for healthcare teams.
In addition to being a registered respiratory therapist (RRT), Gail is also an advanced Critical Care Specialist (ACCS), Certified COPD Educator (AARC), and Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS). Her dedication to respiratory health has earned her multiple professional
honors, including the Charles W. Serby COPD Research Fellowship Award and recognition from the Maryland/DC Society for Respiratory Care.
Through her leadership at GACO, Gail brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, scientific rigor, and compassion, guiding global efforts to improve respiratory health outcomes through education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice.
Binta's bio coming soon...
Abdalrhman is the Director of the Respiratory Therapy Training Program and Supervisor of the Respiratory Therapy Department at Yas Clinic Khalifa (managed by Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
He oversees ICU, PICU, and NICU respiratory care, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic services including Pulmonary Function Testing, Sleep Studies, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Abdalrhman has a strong background in clinical education, respiratory care management, and community health awareness.
As Assistant Director for the Global Asthma and COPD Awareness Program (GACO), he contributes to global initiatives promoting education, early detection, and equitable access to respiratory care worldwide.
I’m Fawzia Abdulmajid, Assistant Program Director (Swahili and English Programs) for Global Asthma and COPD Outreach (GACO). With over 17 years of experience in respiratory care and a deep commitment to public health advocacy, I bring both clinical expertise and a passion for advancing respiratory health to my work.
I am dedicated to bridging the gap between healthcare and community outreach by developing programs that empower patients, families, and professionals. My focus is on fostering collaboration, building impactful educational resources, and ensuring that respiratory health initiatives are accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based.
Through my role at GACO, I aim to expand global outreach efforts, strengthen professional networks, and inspire innovation in respiratory care. By uniting healthcare providers, advocates, and communities, I strive to advance awareness of asthma and COPD, improve quality of life, and create lasting impact in respiratory health worldwide.
Dr. Uloma Ibe is a board-certified family medicine physician with a strong commitment to advancing health equity and chronic disease management in underserved communities. Since completing her Family Medicine Residency at the University of Maryland in 2018, Dr. Ibe has focused her clinical practice on comprehensive, patient-centered care with a special emphasis on chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.
She is the founder of TRiiBE Medical, a private family medicine practice located in Largo, Maryland, where she delivers holistic and accessible care to patients of all ages. Her work integrates clinical excellence with a deep understanding of the social and structural factors that impact health outcomes, particularly in marginalized populations.
As a member of the Board of Directors for Global Asthma and COPD Outreach (GACO), Dr. Ibe contributes her expertise to support the organization's mission to educate, empower, and provide critical resources to individuals living with asthma and COPD around the world. Her dedication to global health and improving care access for underserved populations aligns closely with GACO’s vision of reducing the burden of respiratory diseases through outreach, education, and advocacy.
Nadine Noble-Matthews is a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional with 20 years of experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.
Throughout her career, Nadine has demonstrated a commitment to providing top -notch respiratory care to patients with airway diseases and conditions. With extensive clinical experience and a passion for patient education, she specializes in assessing, treating, and managing a wide range of cardiopulmonary disorders, including asthma, COPD, and other chronic and acute respiratory conditions.
Beyond direct patient care, Nadine is deeply committed to education and advocacy. She regularly provides guidance to patients and families on disease management, medication use, and preventive care strategies. Her teaching approach emphasizes empowerment, helping individuals understand their condition and take an active role in their respiratory health.
As a member of the board of directors for Global Asthma and COPD Outreach (GACO), Nadine is honored to extend her expertise globally, teaching and providing support to underserved communities and countries. Her dedication to improving respiratory health worldwide reflects her tireless commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
With a heart for service and a spirit of compassion, Nadine continues to inspire others through her work, both locally and internationally.
My name on is Betty Akpan, a dedicated and compassionate RCP for over a decade, with hands- on experience.
At MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Betty works closely with both neonatal and adult critical care teams. Beyond bedside, Betty has spent more than five years serving on the DC board of Respiratory Care, where she currently act as Board Director.
In this role, Betty advocates for high standards in respiratory care, helping guide the professional and ensuring public safety.
Teaching is also Betty’s passion and a way of giving back to her profession. As an Adjunct professor in the Respiratory Therapy Program at the University of the District of Columbia, she mentors and supports future Respiratory Therapist.
Whether working in a critical care setting, serving at the board level or teaching future therapists, Betty brings deep commitment to patient care, professional growth, and community impact.
Over the years, Aaron Smith has grown as a leader — both within the local hospital and across the Maryland–Washington, D.C. region. His leadership approach centers on collaboration, innovation, and empowerment, encouraging others to bring their best to the profession.
Through work in clinical education, mentorship, and departmental development, Aaron has gained firsthand experience in building strong teams and fostering environments that promote professional excellence.
Dr. Aaron Holley is a Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine physician at MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC). His research and academic interests include exercise, obstructive lung disease, and sleep physiology. He has published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers on topics such as lung function testing, airway disease, exercise, and sleep. Dr. Holley is dedicating his research and academic career to advancing the understanding of respiratory physiology, exercise, and obstructive lung disease, and he holds several positions in national organizations committed to improving the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Prior to his work at MWHC, Dr. Holley served 25 years in the U.S. Army as a general medicine physician and specialist in pulmonary, sleep, and critical care medicine. His military service included more than two years abroad in Kenya, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Korea, and Germany, where he treated patients with a wide range of respiratory conditions and developed a deep appreciation for the challenges of providing care in resource-limited settings.
As a member of GACO’s Medical Advisory Team, Dr. Holley will help guide clinical direction, strengthen evidence-based respiratory education, and support global initiatives aimed at improving diagnosis, management, and access to care for people living with asthma and COPD, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr Ruth Emily Barker is a Senior Evaluation Manager within the Evaluation & Insight team at Health Innovation West of England. She previously worked as a Senior Programme Manager for Knowledge Mobilization at the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Wessex. A clinical academic physiotherapist by background, she holds a PhD in Clinical Research Medicine from Imperial College London, an MRes in Clinical Practice, and a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and is an active member of multiple national and international respiratory, evaluation, and implementation science networks.
Ruth’s career spans clinical, research, and academic leadership across pulmonary rehabilitation, chronic respiratory disease, implementation science, and real‑world evaluation. She has held clinical research posts at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, where she contributed to high‑impact respiratory research programmes and tested novel models of care. She remains active academically, lecturing on MSc modules and supervises postgraduate students, including MSc and PhD candidates.
Ruth has an extensive publication record and a Google Scholar h‑index of 19, with contributions across pulmonary rehabilitation, frailty, digital health, functional assessment, patient‑centered outcomes, and service redesign.
Beyond academia, Ruth is a respected leader in national and international engagement. She chairs the Healthcare Professionals in Research board, co‑leads the global Big Baton Pass COPD awareness campaign, and is co‑lead for AHPs Everywhere. She is a funding committee reviewer for Asthma + Lung UK and a strategic advisor for the Academic Respiratory Researcher Alliance.
Dorothy H. Bendah is a respiratory therapist, healthcare executive, and global health advocate with extensive experience in clinical practice, leadership, and international health development. She currently serves as the Executive Secretary of the International Council for Respiratory Care (ICRC) and Governor for Ghana at the International Council for Respiratory Care, contributing to global policy, professional standards, and workforce advancement in respiratory care.
She is the Founder and President of the Africa Respiratory Care Association (ARCA), an official chapter of the ICRC, leading initiatives to expand respiratory care education, strengthen healthcare systems, and promote health equity across Africa. Dorothy is also the CEO of Right to Greatness NGO, an organization dedicated to leadership development, health advocacy, and community empowerment.
In addition, she serves as Clinical Manager and Respiratory Therapist at Zopec Medical LLC, bringing strong clinical and operational expertise to medical practice and healthcare innovation. She is the Immediate Past President of the Ghana Association for Respiratory Care and an active member of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Dorothy holds a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy from the University of Ghana and a Master’s degree in Respiratory Therapy from Georgia State University. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing respiratory care, leadership development, and global health collaboration.
Victoria's bio coming soon...
Enitan is a highly skilled and dedicated Respiratory Physiologist with a strong passion for respiratory care, clinical physiology, and health education. She currently serves as the Regional Lead for Health Education with GACO in South-West Nigeria.
Enitan works at the renowned Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where she plays a key role in asthma patient education, lung function testing, mechanical ventilation, and the training of physiologists in advanced pulmonary diagnostics.
She holds a Certificate of Competence in Adult and Pediatric Spirometry as well as a Certificate of Competence in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) Testing, demonstrating her advanced capabilities in respiratory diagnostics and care for both adults and children.
With a Master’s degree in Physiology and ongoing doctoral research, she brings academic depth and clinical excellence to every aspect of her work. Enitan is also a proud member of the Africa Respiratory Care Association (ARCA), an organization committed to improving respiratory health across the continent and promoting the respiratory therapy profession in Africa.
Her professional interests include clinical research, cardiovascular health, and respiratory health. Passionate about continuous learning and knowledge-sharing, Enitan stays engaged with the latest developments in her field and actively contributes to education and capacity-building within the healthcare community.
Kehinde is a dedicated Respiratory Physiologist with a strong passion for respiratory care, clinical physiology, and patient education.
She serves as the Assistant to the Regional Lead for Health Education at GACO in South-West Nigeria.
Kehinde holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and currently works at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where she is actively involved in lung function testing and respiratory diagnostics.
She is a member of the Africa Respiratory Care Association (ARCA), a professional body that advocates for improved respiratory health across the continent and supports the growth of the respiratory therapy profession in Africa.
Kehinde also holds a Certificate of Competence in Adult and Pediatric Spirometry, highlighting her proficiency in conducting accurate pulmonary function assessments across age groups.
She is deeply committed to advancing respiratory health through precise testing, compassionate care, and continuous professional development.
Lucy is a dedicated healthcare professional and educator with over 8 years of nursing experience, committed to improving patient outcomes and advancing nursing education. She currently serves as the Regional Lead for Health Education with GACO in South-East Nigeria.
Lucy is also a well-respected NCLEX coach with NCLEX Keys Academy, where she supports aspiring nurses around the world in their journey to becoming U.S.-licensed registered nurses. Her mentorship has played a vital role in the success and growth of many future healthcare professionals.
Her passion for saving lives and commitment to better health extends across all areas of care, including respiratory health. Lucy is especially devoted to supporting individuals living with asthma, COPD, and other breathing challenges, advocating for early education, access to care, and long-term wellness.
Respected for her clinical expertise and compassionate teaching style, she is admired by patients, students, and her community alike.
Emmanuella is an accomplished respiratory therapist and an emerging global health leader with over five years of experience in critical care. Her professional interest lies in strengthening health systems through education and leadership, particularly in empowering schools and students with the knowledge and tools to manage asthma effectively.
As an SDG Champion for Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Emmanuella advocates for equitable access to respiratory care and the integration of sustainable public health practices across communities in Ghana.
Rose Aning is a registered respiratory therapist from Ghana with a Master of Science in Respiratory Medicine. She currently practices as a Respiratory Therapist in a clinical setting while also serving as an Assistant Lecturer, where she trains and mentors future respiratory care professionals.
Rose has a strong interest in respiratory care education and research, particularly in diseases such as asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions. She is deeply passionate about promoting access to respiratory care services and addressing health equity challenges, especially in socioeconomically deprived communities.
Through her role with Global Asthma and COPD Outreach (GACO), Rose works to expand awareness, training, and advocacy for improved respiratory health outcomes in Ghana and across the region.
Maha Hamad is a dedicated respiratory therapist and global health advocate committed to advancing respiratory care and education across Chad and the broader Central African region. As Regional Health Educator Lead (RHEL) for GACO and Country Director for ARCA (African Respiratory Care Association), she works to strengthen awareness, training, and access to quality care for people living with asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions.
With years of hands-on experience as a respiratory therapist, Maha provides care to patients with cardiopulmonary diseases, including asthma, COPD, and other chronic respiratory disorders. Her clinical expertise informs her educational and advocacy work, allowing her to bridge the gap between bedside care and community health outreach.
She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Respiratory Care, building on her commitment to professional growth and excellence in patient care.
Through her work with GACO, Maha leads efforts to develop and deliver
culturally relevant respiratory health education, empower local health professionals, and advocate for improved respiratory health systems in Chad. Passionate about saving lives and improving quality of life,
she continues to be a driving force in raising the standard of respiratory care across Africa.
My name is Ebenezer Zoefley, and I am a Respiratory Therapist from Liberia. I currently serve as the President of the Liberia Respiratory Care Association (LARCA). I am a passionate healthcare professional who is deeply committed to helping people, especially those struggling to
breathe.
My interest in healthcare began with a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Over the years, I have found my greatest fulfillment in caring for patients with respiratory and cardiac conditions. Being able to help someone take a breath again, something many people take for granted, is one of the most rewarding experiences for me. That sense of purpose inspired me to become a respiratory therapist and continues to motivate me every day.
As GACO’s Regional Team Lead for Liberia, I will help strengthen respiratory health education and awareness, coordinate community outreach programs, and support the training of healthcare providers and communities in asthma and COPD management. Through this role, I aim to enhance early detection, promote preventive care, and expand access to quality respiratory services across Liberia.
I am Linda P. Cooper, a Respiratory Therapist and Public Health student dedicated to strengthening healthcare delivery and advancing health education in Liberia. I currently serve as the Assistant Regional Health Education Lead for the Montserrado Region with Global Asthma and COPD Outreach (GACO), where I promote community health awareness, coordinate
educational initiatives, and support the implementation of regional public health programs.
With a professional background in respiratory therapy, I bring a blend of clinical expertise and a public health perspective to my work. My focus is on advancing preventive health practices, improving respiratory care, and enhancing health literacy across diverse communities.
As I continue my studies in Public Health, my goal is to contribute to evidence-based strategies that improve health outcomes, strengthen healthcare systems, and promote sustainable community well-being.
Francès has a background in Public Health, specializing in Epidemiology. She currently serves as an Epidemiologist at Proxyma Santé in Burkina Faso, where she contributes to advancing knowledge in health promotion, particularly in disease prevention and control strategies.
With extensive experience in data management and analysis, Francès plays a vital role in assessing access to oxygen for children under five years of age with respiratory diseases across West Africa.
As GACO’s Regional Health Educator and Epidemiology Lead for Burkina Faso, she will help strengthen community-based respiratory health education, support data-driven public health initiatives, and contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies for disease prevention and control.
I am Sandy Soko Hyacinthe, DM, MPH, MSc, a Humanitarian Program Coordinator passionate about preventive health initiatives and improving sanitary conditions in high-need areas.
As GACO’s Regional Health Lead for Guinea, I will help advance the organization’s mission by coordinating community education and outreach on asthma and COPD, strengthening partnerships with local health institutions, and supporting initiatives that promote equitable access to respiratory care across the region.
Ozioma Okeke is a Clinical Physiologist based in Asaba, Delta State, with a B.Sc. in Human Physiology. She currently holds the position of Health Educator Lead (South-South) at GACO, a volunteer group that supports individuals with COPD and Asthma.
Passionate about respiratory care and community health, Ozioma focuses on empowering people through education and advocacy- Renew breathing, one community at a time.