Cambridge Global Health Partnerships (CGHP), which draws many of its members from Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH), has appointed a new Chair.
Vice President of Global Health Strategy and Partnerships at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Fiona Smith-Laittan, says her focus is on positively impacting the health of people in lower income countries through research, access and strengthened health systems.
She has established the organisation’s five to ten year Global Health strategy; prioritised investment of up to £100m a year on TB, malaria and anti-microbial resistance, and is managing significant long-term programmes with leading global health institutions.
A graduate of the University of Cambridge (Natural Science - Neuroscience, Emmanuel College), Fiona is passionate about the role of science and scientists for driving societal change, and the important contribution of academic excellence and international development to the UK’s position on the world stage.
Fiona joined GSK in 2005 where she’s held several key roles including Product Strategy Director for Asthma R&D, UK Dermatology & Allergy Business Unit Head, and Chief of Staff to the President of Global Affairs. Operating at the intersection of business, science and society, Fiona’s focus has increasingly been on global health strategy and responsible business programmes.
Fiona takes over from interim chair, Dr Mike Knapton, a CGHP committee member, trustee and Vice-Chair of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), former Non-Executive Director at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) and current Non-Executive Director at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
Fiona said:
“CGHP’s purpose, strategy and activity is aligned to what I care about most, in an area where I bring significant experience, insights and a strong network.” “The global health funding landscape is facing significant challenges, with the multiplicative effects of poverty, conflict and climate change, exacerbated by fractured geopolitics and limited global resources.
I am passionate about the need for ambitious cross-functional partnerships to drive sustainable impact in global health, which is fundamental to what CGHP stands for.
Fiona Smith-Laittan
Mike added:
Fiona’s experience and passion for global health and research, over many years, bring much to the work of CGHP. As Cambridge Global Health Partnerships approaches its twentieth anniversary, we are looking forward and excited to work with Fiona.
Dr Mike Knapton
Cambridge Global Health Partnerships (CGHP) is a charitable organisation established in 2007 that enables health partnerships between institutions in Cambridge and the East of England and in low to middle-income countries.
Staff from Cambridge University Hospitals Trust play a major role, participating in and co-leading programmes that foster two-way teaching, learning and training to strengthen healthcare systems, and address some of the biggest health challenges.
More about CGHP can be found at https://cambridgeghp.org/ (opens in a new tab)