Meet our Faculty

Prof. Peter Piot

Professor of Global Health and former Director, LSHTM; founding Executive Director, UNAIDS

Prof Peter Piot is a Professor of Global Health and former Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. He was the founding Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Professor Piot is one of the world’s leaders in global health, and has made numerous original research contributions to the microbiology, epidemiology, clinical description, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in Africa.

Dr Thoraya Obaid

Former Executive Director, UNFPA

Dr Thoraya Obaid was the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund and an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations from 2001 to 2010. Throughout her career, Dr. Obaid has championed the causes of women’s and young people’s health and empowerment. In her role as UNFPA Executive Director (the first Saudi Arabian to head a United Nations agency), Dr. Obaid introduced a focus on culture to the Fund’s development work, linking gender, universal values of human rights, and values of human worth promoted by all religions and found in all cultures.

Amb. Dr John N. Nkengasong

Ambassador at large, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy

Amb. Dr John N. Nkengagsong is a distinguished public health leader, became the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator in 2022 and shortly thereafter initiated the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy at the U.S. State Department, which he directs. This bureau centralizes efforts against global health threats, including HIV/AIDS, and houses PEPFAR, symbolizing a major stride in integrating health security within U.S. national security and foreign policy. With a robust background including founding the Africa CDC and leading Africa's COVID-19 response, Dr. Nkengasong's tenure has been marked by significant global health contributions and recognitions, establishing him as a pivotal figure in contemporary public health advocacy and action.

Dr Sania Nishtar

CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Dr Sania Nishtar is the CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Dr Nishtar, most recently a Senator in her home country of Pakistan, joined Gavi as its CEO on 18 March 2024. A trained medical doctor, she has built an outstanding career over 30 years as a national and global leader. She served as a Senator in her home country of Pakistan; as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation; and as a Federal Minister with responsibility for re-establishing the country’s Ministry of Health. Dr Nishtar has fulfilled several leadership positions in civil society and international organisations; founded a health reform non-profit NGO think tank in Pakistan; co-authored dozens of academic papers and books; and published in leading newspapers.

Prof. Johan Rockström

Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

Professor Johan Rockström is one of the world’s leading scientists on global sustainability, climate change, resilience and global water resources. With over 150 research publications, his work spans fields ranging from applied land and water management to global environmental policy. Since 2018 he has served as Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and Professor of Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam. Prior to his current roles, Rockström co-founded and directed the Stockholm Resilience Centre from 2004 until 2018.

Mr Elhadj As Sy

Board chair, Kofi Annan Foundation; former Secretary General, International Red Cross Federation

Mr Elhadj As Sy is the Chancellor of Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Chair of Kofi Annan Foundation and Former Secretary General of IFRC. He has extensive experience in leadership roles roles in humanitarian, health and development sectors, having previously served at senior level with UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNDP, Enda Tiers Monde and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and other agencies for more than 35 years.

Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari

Managing Director, Hamad Medical Corporation; former Minister of Public Health Qatar

Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari was appointed as Qatar’s Minister of Public Health in January 2016. She is the Managing Director of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), a position she has held since 2007. She currently chairs, co-chairs, and takes part in several health, research, and advisory boards, including the Academic Health System International Advisory Board, the Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute International Advisory Board, and other committees at the Ministry of Public Health. She previously worked at the World Health Organization, Reuters, and as a freelance health reporter and writer.

Ms Joy Phumaphi

Executive Secretary African Leaders Malaria Alliance / ex-Vice President Human Development, World Bank / ex-Assistant Director General for Family & Community Health, WHO / ex-Minister of Health, Botswana

Ms Joy Phumaphi, a prominent figure in global health and former Minister of Health of Botswana, plays a crucial role in various health initiatives, including her positions as the Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance and Co-Chair of several influential partnerships focusing on children's safety, climate change, and malaria eradication. Her extensive career has also seen her contribute significantly to the WHO as Assistant Director-General and to the World Bank as Vice President for Human Development, driving major global health policies and programs. With a strong foundation in finance and accounting, Phumaphi has been instrumental in introducing ground-breaking health interventions, such as the first public sector universal antiretroviral program in a developing country, and continues to impact global health through her leadership and advisory roles.

Mr Christian Danielsson

State Secretary to Minister for EU Affairs / ex-Swedish Foreign Minister

Mr Christian Danielsson is a seasoned professional in European affairs, currently serving as the State Secretary for EU Affairs in the Swedish Prime Minister's Office. With an extensive background in EU relations, he has held prominent roles, including Director-General at the European Commission and Sweden's Permanent Representative to the EU.

Dr Ren Minghui

Professor, Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University

Dr Ren Minghui is a professor at the Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University (PKU). He is also the Director of Institute for Global Health, and the Director of China Center for Health Development Studies, PKU. He served as the Assistant Director-General at the WHO headquarters from January 2016 to November 2022, overseeing various critical programs, including HIV, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, non-communicable diseases and mental health. In addition to his WHO role, he represented the organization on the boards of several global health entities, including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, UNAIDS, and Unitaid.

Dr Magda Robalo

President and co-founder, The Institute for Global Health and Development; former Minister of Health, Guinea-Bissau

Dr Magda Robalo is the president and co-founder of The Institute for Global Health and Development. She is an infectious disease physician and public health expert. With her extensive experience in health policy and advocacy, Dr Robalo has championed equitable access to healthcare for all, especially the most vulnerable populations. She spearheaded successful initiatives in her current and past roles as Minister of Public Health, Presidential High Commissioner for the COVID-19 response in Guinea-Bissau, WHO Representative and WHO Director of Communicable Diseases. She co-chairs the UHC2030 Steering Committee.

Amb. Prof. Mark Dybul

Professor, Georgetown University; former ED Global Fund; former Head of PEPFAR

Amb. Prof. Mark Dybul is the Founding Co-Director and Chief Strategy Officer of the Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, and Professor in the Department of Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center. A well-recognized global health expert and humanitarian, Dr Dybul served as Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and as the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, overseeing the implementation of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Dr Alvaro Bermejo

Director General, IPPF

Dr Alvaro Bermejo is the Director General of International Planned Parenthood Federation. He has worked for more than 20 years as a senior executive in global federations, working across HIV and AIDS, humanitarian issues and health policy. He was previously Director at CIFF, where he helped build an adolescent sexual and reproductive health portfolio in addition to the more established health, nutrition and education portfolios. Prior to joining CIFF, he led the International HIV/AIDS Alliance.

Dr Balram Bhargava

President, National Academy of Sciences in India; Non-Executive Director, Cipla and Strategic Advisor, Serum Institute of India

Dr Balram Bhargava is a mission driven, results oriented health professional with more than 35 years of experience in leading medical research, strengthening health systems, health care innovation, managing pandemic preparedness and health care delivery in resource poor settings. As a global leader he has been in the forefront of south-south cooperation, promoting equity in access to health care, democratisation of scientific research and promoting public-private cooperation to bring new technologies and affordable innovative products into the health systems.

Ms Christine McNab

Coordinator and Advisor, The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response

Ms Christine McNab works with leading organizations in health and development, building on 20 years of experience in journalism, global health, communication, advocacy, program design, and multimedia work including photography. McNab is skilled in project design and management; creating, implementing and analysing innovative communication and advocacy programs; and conceptualising and producing multimedia projects. She is also an experienced photographer, writer and video director, and loves working with people to tell their powerful stories.

Ms Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli

President and CEO, ONE Campaign

Ms Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is the President/CEO of the ONE Campaign, a global advocacy organization that fights for the investments needed to ensure economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. She is an expert on agriculture and nutrition, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and philanthropy. She has over 25 years of international development experience and is the founder of LEAP Africa and African Food Changemakers. She is also the co-founder of Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd., AACE Foods Processing & Distribution Ltd and Wealth4Impact. Nwuneli also serves on the boards of the Rockefeller Foundation, the Chanel Foundation, Stanbic IBTC Group, the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, and the Bridgespan Group.

Dr Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija

Board chair FIND, WHO Special Envoy for the Access to COVID19 Tools Accelerator, Chair of the African Vaccine Delivery Alliance, Ex-Chief Humanitarian Coordinator Nigeria

Dr Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija is a visionary, innovative leader, and influencer in global health and humanitarian development. She currently serves as special envoy and co- chair to the World Health Organization’s Access to COVID- 19 Tools Accelerator, co-chair of the African Union’s African Vaccine Delivery Alliance, board chair of FIND – the global alliance for diagnostics, founder of Nigeria’s Emergency Coordination Centre, as well as the former chief humanitarian coordinator for Nigeria. She is currently spearheading an initiative to create safe learning and teaching environments in Nigeria or the CASTLE initiative.

Mr Leif Johansson

Former Chairman of AstraZeneca & Ericsson / ex-CEO of Volvo & Electrolux

Mr Leif Johansson is a Swedish businessman who assumed his first position as Managing Director in 1978 at Husqvarna Motorcycles. In 1982, he became President of Facit, an office machines manufacturer, followed by ten years with white-goods manufacturer Electrolux, where he eventually advanced to the position of CEO. In 1997, he was appointed President and CEO of Volvo in Gothenburg, a position he held until 2011. Mr Johansson has also served as Chairman of Ericsson from 2011 until 2018 and Chairman of the Board of Directors of AstraZeneca from 2012-2023. In 2012, Fokus Magazine ranked him as Sweden's 6th most powerful person.

Ms Preeti Sudan

Member, Union Public Service Commission India / ex-Health Secretary, Government of India / Co- Chair, Partnership on Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (PMNCH)

Mrs Preeti Sudan is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service officer who served as the Health Secretary of India from June 2019 to July 2020. With a rich background in public administration, she contributed significantly to various government departments, including Food and Public Distribution and Defense, and played a pivotal role in the Ayushman Bharat Yojana's execution. Her academic credentials include degrees in Economics and Social Policy from the London School of Economics, complemented by training in public finance management in Washington.

Prof. Ilona Kickbusch

DTH-Lab / Founding director and chair of the Global Health Centre at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

Prof. Ilona Kickbusch is an influential figure in global health and has made significant contributions to health policy and diplomacy education. She established and directed the Global Health Centre at the Graduate Institute, Geneva in 2008. Her work spans across various areas, including political determinants of health, health in all policies, and global health, emphasizing the importance of global health strategies. Notably, Kickbusch has been involved in key global health initiatives, such as the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion and the WHO Healthy Cities Network, and has received prestigious recognitions, including the Cross of the Order of Merit of Germany, for her contributions to global health innovation and diplomacy.

Prof. Sir David Nabarro

Co-Director & Chair of Global Health, Imperial College London Institute of Global Health Innovation / Founder, 4SD Foundation / ex-Special representative of the UN Secretary-General on Food & Nutrition / ex-Executive Director, WHO / ex-coordinator, Scalin

Prof. Sir David Nabarro currently serves as the Co-Director and Chair of Global Health at Imperial College London's Institute of Global Health Innovation and is the Strategic Director of 4SD, focusing on sustainable development leadership training. His notable roles include being the WHO Director-General's Special Envoy on COVID-19 and engaging in various influential UN and global health positions, emphasizing nutrition, health crises response, and sustainable development. Additionally, he has been recognized for his contributions to global health and nutrition, including receiving the World Food Prize.

Prof. Esperanza Martinez

Head of Health and Human Security, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University

Prof. Martinez serves as the Head of Health and Human Security at the Australian National University’s College of Health and Medicine. Her role includes harnessing cross- disciplinary knowledge and expertise to develop evidence- based, practical, and impactful solutions addressing national, regional, and global challenges. Before joining ANU, Prof. Martinez was instrumental in leading responses to complex crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva. She led the ICRC’s Health division for five years, delivering essential healthcare services to populations affected by armed conflict and violence in over 80 countries. Trained in Colombia as a medical doctor and general surgeon, Prof. Martinez specialised in International Public Health and Health Management in Australia. Her extensive career of over two decades includes more than ten years of fieldwork in several conflict-affected countries, as well as collaborations with UN agencies, governments, and the private sector. She is an experienced strategic advisor in global health, humanitarian action, and crisis leadership.

Mr Christian Danielsson

State Secretary to Minister for EU Affairs / ex-Swedish Foreign Minister

Mr Christian Danielsson is a seasoned professional in European affairs, currently serving as the State Secretary for EU Affairs in the Swedish Prime Minister's Office. With an extensive background in EU relations, he has held prominent roles, including Director-General at the European Commission and Sweden's Permanent Representative to the EU.

Dr Githinji Gitahi

Group CEO, Amref Health Africa / Co-Chair of the Strategic Advocacy Committee, PMNCH

Dr Githinji Gitahi, a fervent advocate for Universal Health Coverage in Africa, has been leading Amref Health Africa as its Global CEO since June 2015, significantly impacting healthcare across the continent. Before joining Amref, he held prominent roles at Smile Train International and Nation Media Group, among others. Dr. Gitahi actively contributes to global health discourse through various leadership positions, including co-chairing advocacy groups and serving on influential boards like CEPI, demonstrating his commitment to advancing healthcare and nutrition globally, and earning recognition like the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear from Kenya's president.

Dr John-Arne Røttingen

CEO, Wellcome Trust

Dr John-Arne Røttingen is the current CEO of Wellcome Trust. A distinguished figure in global health and research, he served as Norway's Ambassador for Global Health and the founding CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). His career spans academia, including roles at Harvard and the University of Oslo, and leadership in critical health initiatives like the Ebola vaccine trial and the Covid-19 WHO Solidarity Trial. Renowned for his extensive contributions to global health policy and research, Røttingen has been instrumental in various influential capacities, including advisory roles with the WHO, G20, and as a board member for prominent organizations like Gavi and PATH, showcasing his commitment to advancing global health and preparedness.

Amb. Dr John N. Nkengasong

Ambassador at large, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy

Amb. Dr John N. Nkengagsong is a distinguished public health leader, became the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator in 2022 and shortly thereafter initiated the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy at the U.S. State Department, which he directs. This bureau centralizes efforts against global health threats, including HIV/AIDS, and houses PEPFAR, symbolizing a major stride in integrating health security within U.S. national security and foreign policy. With a robust background including founding the Africa CDC and leading Africa's COVID-19 response, Dr. Nkengasong's tenure has been marked by significant global health contributions and recognitions, establishing him as a pivotal figure in contemporary public health advocacy and action.

Prof. Sally C. Davies

Master of Trinity College, Cambridge & UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance

Prof. Dame Sally C. Davies is the 40th Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, and a prominent leader in global health, notably recognized for her role as the UK Government’s Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) since 2019. As the former Chief Medical Officer for England, she has made significant contributions to health policy and research, including her involvement with the WHO, the UN Inter-Agency Coordination Group on AMR, and her appointment to the UN Global Leaders Group on AMR. Her distinguished service has been honoured with the title Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and election to the Royal Society and the National Academy of Medicine.

Prof. Joanne Liu

Professor, McGill University School of Population & Global Health / Chair, Humanitarian Dialogue Centre / past International President of Doctors Without Borders

Prof. Joanne Liu, an esteemed figure in humanitarian medicine, has held significant roles including the Chair of the Humanitarian Dialogue Center and the International President of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. She is a Professor at McGill University's School of Population & Global Health and an Adjunct Clinical Professor at CHU Ste-Justine, University of Montreal, contributing extensively to global health education and practice. Notable for her innovative work in telemedicine and medical care for sexual violence survivors, Prof. Liu's dedication has been recognized with prestigious awards like the Meritorious Cross of Canada and inclusion in TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People.

Ms Joy Phumaphi

Executive Secretary African Leaders Malaria Alliance / ex-Vice President Human Development, World Bank / ex-Assistant Director General for Family & Community Health, WHO / ex-Minister of Health, Botswana

Ms Joy Phumaphi, a prominent figure in global health and former Minister of Health of Botswana, plays a crucial role in various health initiatives, including her positions as the Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance and Co-Chair of several influential partnerships focusing on children's safety, climate change, and malaria eradication. Her extensive career has also seen her contribute significantly to the WHO as Assistant Director-General and to the World Bank as Vice President for Human Development, driving major global health policies and programs. With a strong foundation in finance and accounting, Phumaphi has been instrumental in introducing ground-breaking health interventions, such as the first public sector universal antiretroviral program in a developing country, and continues to impact global health through her leadership and advisory roles.

Dr Clare Wenham

Associate Professor in Global Health Policy & Director of MSc Global Health, Department of Health Policy, LSE

Dr Clare Wenham is an Associate Professor of Global Health Policy at LSE, where she also directs the MSc in Global Health Policy program and contributes to the LSE Global Health Initiative. Her research delves into global health security, particularly focusing on the politics of infectious disease preparedness and response, and has significantly influenced policy through analyses of global health governance, financing, and epidemic response strategies. Additionally, Clare has explored the gendered impacts of health crises, notably through her work on Zika and COVID- 19, influencing policy development with key international organizations and being recognized for her contributions to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in global health emergencies.

Amb. Jimmy Kolker

Senior Advisor to the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy, US Department of State / ex-US Ambassador to Uganda and Burkina Faso

Amb. Jimmy Kolker has had an illustrious career in public service as the Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2017, serving as a key health diplomat for the United States. His diplomatic journey included ambassadorial roles in Burkina Faso and Uganda and pivotal positions in global health initiatives, notably with PEPFAR and UNICEF's AIDS section. He currently offers his expertise as Senior Advisor to the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy, US Department of State, where he leverages his extensive background in international relations and global health.

Prof. Michel Kazatchkine

Special Advisor to the Joint UN Program on AIDS in Eastern Europe & Central Asia / Senior Fellow, Global Health Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute / Ex-Executive Director, Global Fund / ex-French Ambassador for HIV&AIDS

Prof. Michel Kazatchkine has over 30 years of experience in addressing AIDS globally, combining roles in medical practice, research, leadership, and advocacy. Educated in Paris and further trained in London and at Harvard, he has held significant positions including the directorship of France's national AIDS research agency, executive leadership at the Global Fund, and serving as a UN Special Envoy. Currently, he advises UNAIDS for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and contributes his expertise as a Senior Fellow at the Global Health Centre, demonstrating his enduring commitment to global health challenges.

Mr Bogi Eliasen

Director of Health, Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies

Mr Bogi Eliasen is the Director of Health at the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies. His background is in Political Science and International Law and has made significant contributions, including initiating the FarGen genome project, which sequences the entire Faroese population's genomes, aiming to integrate genomics, data, and digital advancements into health care, shaping future personalized health paradigms. Recognized globally with the HIMSS Future 50 award and serving as the Chair of the Danish UNESCO Bioethical Committee, Eliasen is instrumental in various international health initiatives, focusing on bridging personal and public health sectors as a "knowledge broker."