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Health Systems Program

Global Health Technology and Innovation

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Global Health Technology and Innovation in the Health Systems Program

Our work in technology and innovation emphasizes the development and implementation of new technologies for greater health care access and impact, as well as ensuring that appropriate policies are in place to govern such technologies.

Our faculty work to ensure equitable access to innovative health technologies, including supporting governments in their journeys to digital transformation in health care, effective antibiotics and medicines, strengthening digital systems to improve vaccine coverage, clinical decision support tools to improve quality of care, and real-time surveillance of chronic and infectious diseases. The Program uses digital technologies to strengthen surveillance of noncommunicable disease risk factors and COVID-19 in low- and middle-income country settings.

Meet some of our global health technology and innovation faculty

Dustin Gibson
Associate Research Professor
International Health

Dustin Gibson, PhD ’14, MS, develops and evaluates digital tools and technologies to address health system gaps in low- and middle-income countries

Anthony So
Distinguished Professor of the Practice
International Health

Anthony D. So, MD, MPA, works on research and policy to improve innovation and access to health technologies with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance.

Smisha Agarwal
Associate Professor
International Health

Smisha Agarwal, PhD, MPH ’09, MBA, studies how to improve maternal and newborn health in low-income settings by strengthening health systems and using technological solutions.

Qingfeng Li
Assistant Professor
International Health

Qingfeng Li, PhD ’13, MHS, studies machine learning models to support the use of big data and improve road safety in low- and middle-income countries.

Examples of Latest Projects

Innovation+Design Enabling Access (IDEA) Initiative: The IDEA Initiative seeks to reengineer how innovation and design of technologies better meet the health of those in need. From antimicrobial resistance to COVID-19, the Initiative works to support an end-to-end approach and shape an enabling environment, innovative financing, and product development partnership responsive to these needs.

Data for Health Initiative: The Data4Health Initiative supports national implementation of mobile phone surveys to collect noncommunicable disease risk factor information through the research and development of survey methodologies, costing analyses, and exploration of key ethical, legal, and societal issues.