The digital health start-up aims to tackle the rising obesity pandemic in the Middle East and other global markets

Leyla Azizova is the Co-Founder and Head of MENA for WEMA Health, a new digital health start-up incubated under Europe’s largest digital health company, Dawn Health, which launched in April 2022. A seasoned strategy consultant specializing in the healthcare sector, with core expertise in models of care, health care innovation, health system transformations and organizational strategy, Azizova has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the healthcare sector.

 

Azizova has always had an affinity for business, entrepreneurship and diplomacy. Whilst studying at King’s College London, she served as the Director of the Business Club and Head of Model United Nations Society. Furthermore, she received a Bachelor’s in Business Management, graduating with First Class Honors in 2013. That year, she also attended a three-month summer school program at Renmin University in China after being awarded one of the three King’s College London scholarships from over 100 applicants. Completing her academic studies in 2014, Azizova graduated with First Class Honors from the University of Cambridge with a Master of Philosophy in Innovation, Strategy and Organization.

 

She began her career with Strategy&, which saw her wear many hats and steadily rise through the ranks within the company. Experienced in building, developing and leading diverse teams across Europe and the Middle East, in July 2021 Azizova was appointed Principal at Strategy&, handling healthcare accounts in the UAE and wider GCC area. Her entrepreneurial streak eventually led her to co-found WEMA Health, a virtual-first, medicated, end-to-end obesity program launched in April 2022.

 

In 2017, Azizova was recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Global Shaper, leading regional and global initiatives in health and education. Today, in addition to being the company’s Co-Founder, Azizova also heads up the MENA division of WEMA Health, with a mission to tackle obesity in the Middle East and other markets and has a passion to advance healthcare to improve the lives of patients and societies.