Meet Mike Tuffour Amirikah

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mike Tuffour Amirikah. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mike , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I believe my purpose was found through a combination of personal experience, exposure to healthcare disparities, and an unwavering desire to make a difference. I witnessed firsthand, growing up in rural Ghana, how the lack of access to quality healthcare could mean the difference between life and death. One of my earliest and most impactful memories was the weekly trips to a local health center, where a close relative was receiving palliative care for end-stage cancer. Unfortunately, due to the limited medical resources available, we lost our loved one, an experience that left a deep imprint on me and fueled my passion for medicine.

Despite the challenges of getting into medical school in Ghana, I remained determined to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. Through the help and counsel of an uncle, I was fortunate to receive admission to one of the best medical schools in Russia, where I not only gained the knowledge and skills to serve but also had the opportunity to engage in public health initiatives. Volunteering in medical outreach programs for homeless individuals and undocumented immigrants in Moscow opened my eyes even further to the global nature of healthcare inequities. Participating in humanitarian medical missions across Africa reinforced my commitment to addressing these issues on a larger scale.

As I progressed in my medical career, I became increasingly aware of how constrained or excluded many people are from accessing quality healthcare. It was this realization that led me to co-found DoctorsAct, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities across Africa. Through this initiative, I have been able to combine my medical expertise with my passion for social impact—bringing essential healthcare services to those who need them most.

Looking back, I see that every challenge, every moment of uncertainty, and every experience, from my childhood in Ghana to my education in Russia, played a role in shaping my purpose. My journey has is a testament to the fact that with perseverance and a deep sense of responsibility, we can turn personal struggles into meaningful change.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Founded in Moscow, Russia, by a group of African medical students, DoctorsAct was born out of a shared commitment to humanitarian service and faith-driven compassion for the poor and needy in society. Inspired by the success of similar initiatives in underserved communities, the organization launched Beauty in Small Deeds (BiSD), a medical outreach program, designed to bring essential healthcare services directly to rural populations. At the core of this initiative is the belief that impactful change does not always require vast resources; even small acts of kindness can positively transform lives.

Through Beauty in Small Deeds, DoctorsAct provides free medical screenings and healthcare services to individuals who would otherwise have to travel long distances for basic medical care. Over the years, the organization has expanded its reach, positively impacting more than 25,000 people across Ghana, South Sudan, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and South Africa and Russia. As the organization continues to grow, its mission remains steadfast: bridging healthcare gaps, reaching more underserved communities, and ensuring that quality medical care is readily accessible to those who need it most.

In Ghana, DoctorsAct operates as a registered non-governmental charity under the Companies Registration Act and the Department of Social Welfare. The organization provides free medical, humanitarian, and social services to the poor, underprivileged, and marginalized through a multi-faceted approach focused on education, empowerment, and short-term medical missions. Beyond immediate relief, the organization implements long-term community projects that aim to create sustainable improvements in health and overall quality of life. These programs undergo rigorous operational research to assess their impact and ensure lasting effectiveness.

Currently, DoctorsAct Ghana runs several key initiatives, including:

1. Beauty in Small Deeds Project – Delivering free medical screening and healthcare services to rural communities.
2. Dream-Alive Scholarship Project – Providing financial and educational support to underprivileged children in rural communities.
3. First-Aid Support Tool – Enhancing emergency response preparedness at the community level.
4. Save-Your-Liver-Today Project – Raising awareness and offering screenings for liver diseases.
5. Community Social Entrepreneurship Project – Empowering communities through scalable and sustainable economic initiatives.

Recognizing the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes and hypertension, DoctorsAct Ghana is expanding its focus to reduce the incidence and morbidity associated with these conditions. By strengthening preventive care, community awareness, and early detection programs, the organization aims to mitigate the long-term health risks of these diseases, fostering healthier and more resilient communities.

With a strong foundation built on service, compassion, and innovation, DoctorsAct continues to grow its reach, bringing life-saving healthcare services to those who need them most. Through small deeds, we at DoctorsAct are making a big impact, one community at a time.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three most important things have made the biggest impact in our journey:

1. Flexibility: Running a healthcare non-profit like DoctorsAct isn’t just about medical knowledge. It’s about constantly thinking on your feet, taking tough decisions, and navigating creative solutions with limited resources. What’s helps me as leader is always looking at challenges as puzzles rather than roadblocks. If you’re early in your journey, start developing this skill by asking more questions, seeking mentorship, and studying how others have overcome similar obstacles. The more you practice solving problems, the better you’ll become.

2. Tenacity: Growing an organization comes with its challenges. Along the way, we have faced numerous obstacles, from logistical hurdles to financial struggles and numerous moments of doubt. These challenges, however large or small, never stopped us in our tracks. Resilience is what kept us going. It’s about pushing forward even when things don’t go as planned. My advice for anyone starting out is simple: don’t let setbacks define you. Learn from them, lean on your support system, and stay connected to your purpose. It won’t always be an easy road, but remember that staying committed and true to the journey will always get you through.

3. Versatility: Working across different countries and communities has reinforced an important lesson: things rarely go exactly as planned. Adaptability and openness to change have been essential in sustaining our mission as an organization. Equally important is embracing diverse perspectives. Learning from people with different backgrounds broadens one’s understanding and fosters novel, innovative solutions. It’s important to recognize that you won’t have all the answers right away, and that’s okay! Stay open to continuous learning, be willing to adjust your approach, and don’t hesitate to explore new ideas. True growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone and think outside the box.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

At DoctorsAct, we are always looking to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations committed to improving healthcare access and overall well-being in rural and underserved communities across Africa. Meaningful partnerships enable us to expand our reach and deliver sustainable, life-changing interventions.

We welcome partnerships and collaboration with:

Organizations Focused on Healthcare Access – We welcome collaboration with like-minded local and international nonprofits, NGOs, and healthcare institutions that share our mission of addressing healthcare disparities in rural areas. By working together, we believe that our impact can be maximized to reach more people in need.

Academic and Research Institutions, Pharmaceuticals, and Medical Supply Companies – We are eager to partner with universities, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and medical equipment manufacturers willing to donate medications, medical supplies, and essential equipment. These contributions play a crucial role in supporting our medical missions and ensuring that communities receive the quality care they deserve.

Cross-Sector Collaborations – Beyond healthcare, we recognize the importance of addressing broader community development needs. We encourage partnerships with organizations in education, entrepreneurial training, and clean water access to provide holistic support and improve overall quality of life in the communities we serve.

Volunteers and Passionate Individuals – We welcome individuals, students, and professionals who have a passion for serving in rural communities. Through our volunteer program, you can contribute your time, skills, and expertise to make a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of underserved populations.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All pictures provided were taken by Amirikah Photography

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