Professor Brendan Crabb to lead Australian Global Health Alliance

Burnet Institute Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb AC has been appointed Chair of the Australian Global Health Alliance.

The Alliance is Australia’s peak body for global health organisations and fosters partnerships between members including universities, medical research institutes, World Health Organization Collaborating Centres and international non-government organisations (INGOs).

“I take on this new role very enthusiastically,” Professor Crabb said.

“With COVID-19, it is more essential than ever that we emphasise to our government, and to the wider community, the importance of a sustained investment and prioritisation of global health to Australians as well as to those we seek to support.

“Under the leadership of Professor Jane den Hollander, the Alliance has become a powerhouse in global health advocacy and coordination, and it is now ideally placed to coordinate this message and unite our sector’s voice.

“I’m excited to help lead these efforts.”

Professor Crabb is a Fellow of the two learned Academies – the Australian Academy of Science (FAA) and Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (FAHMS); the former President of the Australian Association of Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI); and current Chair of its Victorian Chapter.

He is also Chair of Pacific Friends of Global Health supporting the advocacy of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance and Unitaid in Australia, and for the past six years has served on the governing Council of the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Outgoing Chair, Professor Jane den Hollander AO said Professor Crabb’s appointment marks a new era for the Alliance, as it resets with a new strategic focus.

“Brendan is a trusted and tireless champion for Global Health investment in Australia and our region, and his strong networks across government, medical research and international development will be vital to lead the Alliance into its next phase as our nation moves beyond the pandemic.

“I’m pleased to pass the baton to Brendan.”

The Alliance has also announced the appointment of Dr Selina Lo as the new Executive Director from mid-July.

A medical graduate from University of Melbourne, Dr Lo trained in tropical medicine and hygiene in London and holds a post-graduate degree in public and international law focusing on trade, human rights, and health.

She joins the Alliance from her role as the Senior Research Fellow at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute.

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