Our international programmes
We run programmes in more than 5 countries and we're always looking for more opportunities to make a positive impact.
See what we're up to in each country below.
Marcus Wootton, Associate Director
Marcus Wootton MSc PGCE PDTN BSc (Hons) BN (Hons) RN (A) RN (C)
Marcus began his career in Vietnam and then in South Sudan with Médecins Sans Frontières as an outreach nurse, treating victims of war alongside supporting two vaccination campaigns across the Eastern Upper Nile.
His global health has included teaching and consultancy projects in Kenya, Zambia and Uganda alongside working with the charity Medical Justice supporting victims of torture who were mistreated during detention in UK immigration removal centres.
Following the successful completion of his MSc, Marcus joined the global team at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. His initial focus was on the college's Myanmar Programme and a smaller neonatal outreach programme with Angkor Children's Hospital in Cambodia.
From 2016 to 2021, the Myanmar programme, supported by UNICEF and operating across four regions, achieved significant reductions in paediatric and neonatal mortality. The programme was subsequently awarded a British Medical Journal South Asia award for Excellence in Medical Education.
In Nepal, he worked to develop hospital-based care for children, working with UNICEF and WHO and supporting the development of the first mobile app to provide clinical guidance to doctors and nurses in Nepal.
As Associate Director, Marcus works closely with the team to develop and deliver the international academies' work and global reach outside the UK.
He continues to lecture at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Edinburgh and London Southbank University and has published several articles and book chapters on global health and nursing. field]
Head of International Academy
Elsa Afonso MSc (GH), PGCE, BScN (G) (Hons), HEA Fellow
Elsa began her nursing career in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in Lisbon, Portugal, where she developed an interest in global and humanitarian health. After completing a Diploma in Tropical Nursing and an MSc in Global Health at Trinity College Dublin, she joined Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Zimbabwe as a Project Nurse on a remote HIV/AIDS programme, where she led local teams and managed clinical operations in challenging settings.
She has since worked as a clinical and research nurse in Barcelona and served as a clinical education facilitator in the NICU at Cambridge University Hospitals, supporting staff training and also international exchange programmes with Botswana. Her expertise in neonatal care has been applied to global health education projects, including co-developing nurse training programmes in partnership with Cambridge Global Health Partnerships.
Elsa has held a senior academic role at Anglia Ruskin University and is currently an associate lecturer at the International University of Barcelona (UIC), where she coordinates modules on global nursing and international development. She is also a core faculty member of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), co-directing the Sepsis and Infection Learning Pathway for ICU clinicians worldwide. She is currently undertaking doctoral research at Ghent University, and she has published several peer-reviewed articles.
As Head of the International Academy at the Royal College of Nursing, Elsa supports global health programmes in Sri Lanka, Malawi, and the UK Overseas Territories.
Chantal Nunes
Chantal Nunes is the personal assistant to the International and leadership academies. She has extensive expertise across the charity and membership sector. Following successful completion of her studies she worked in finance before moving into events and charity organisations. This included work at the Development Trust Association (now known as Locality EK) where she held several roles including executive assistant – her focus included policy and advocacy work on behalf of members and influencing decision making in local and national government.
She then moved to Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Royal Veterinary College, Royal College of General Practitioners as the assistant Business Manager and worked again in policy and engagement. Following a move into higher education at the University of East London she started at the RCN in 2024.
Ibrahim Busharat
Ibrahim is the Administrator for the International Nursing Academy, supporting global programmes aimed at strengthening the nursing workforce.
Before joining the RCN, Ibrahim built his career in the NHS, gaining hands-on experience across a range of roles including central bookings, general surgery, and front-line reception. His time at Homerton Hospital offered him a deep understanding of the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of the healthcare system and the everyday challenges faced by staff and patients alike. Ibrahim studied at The John Lyon School and Wembley High Technology College, where he focused on economics, psychology, and mathematics.
He brings a keen interest in systems, people, and healthcare improvement to his work in supporting international nursing development.
