At the 27-28 April Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) meeting, the Alliance Secretariat and STAC conveyed a heartfelt farewell to three of its long-serving committee members – Professor Lucy Gilson (Professor of Health Policy and Systems, University of Cape Town, South Africa and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), Dr Prasanta Mahapatra (Honorary President, Institute of Health Systems, India) and Professor Soonman Kwon (Dean, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, South Korea). All three members have played a pivotal role in steering the technical priorities of Alliance work over the last six years.
Dr Abdul Ghaffar (Executive Director, Alliance) expressed his gratitude for the significant contributions Professor Gilson has made to the Alliance over the years, particularly with her robust knowledge of HPSR. He also commented on her generosity in providing expertise and advice on a range of technical issues. Although Professor Gilson will be missed, the Alliance looks forward to continuing to engage with her, particularly in her new role as member of the Board of Health Systems Global, a new international society that aims to improve health systems performance through policy and research.
Dr Prasanta Mahaptra was recognized for the incredible passion and energy he brought to the Alliance and its STAC over the years. Of particular note, was the extensive knowledge and understanding of both the science and politics of health policy and systems research. In his speech, he shared, “It was my dream to develop health systems in India and I am grateful for the enriching experience the Alliance has provided.”
The valuable contributions of Professor Soonman Kwon were also recognized.
Three new members have joined the Alliance STAC – Professor Sabina Faiz Rashid (Dean and Professor, James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Bangladesh), Dr George Pariyo (Senior Specialist, Immunization Coverage, Outcomes and Impact, Gavi, Switzerland) and professor Trish Greenhalgh (Professor of Primary Care Health Sciences, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Services, University of Oxford, UK). The Alliance looks forward to benefiting from the expertise of these individuals as it begins to develop its 5-year strategic plan.
The Alliance STAC represent a very high level of scientific and policy expertise from around the globe; most of the members are heads of their research or academic institutions and are established leaders in HPSR. The committee is comprised of seven members and is selected through a call for nominations and approved by the Alliance board.