Asha George

Asha George is the South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Health Systems, Complexity and Social Change at the School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, a position she has held since 2016. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and a Principal Visiting Fellow at the United Nations University’s International Institute of Global Health. Her work focuses on health systems research with a gender and rights lens in low- and middle-income countries.

Her educational background includes:

• International Relations from Georgetown University
• Public Health from Harvard University
• Development Studies from Sussex University

Professor George's research centers on health systems, emphasizing social justice and gender equity in low-resource settings. She investigates the frontline interface of health services and governance, integrating community and health worker perspectives to advance maternal health and rights-based approaches. Her work has significantly contributed to global health policy, particularly through her leadership in initiatives like the Gender and COVID-19 Research Agenda Setting Collaboration and the Drivers Working Group for Countdown to 2030.

Her notable recognitions include:

• B3 rating by the South African National Research Foundation
• South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Health Systems, Complexity and Social Change
• Principal Visiting Fellowship at United Nations University’s International Institute of Global Health

Professor George's research is supported by the South African government through her SARChI Chair, which funds her salary and research activities including post-doctoral positions. She also receives performance-based incentive monies for research and consultancy fees from Gates Ventures. She actively mentors emerging researchers and leads international collaborations, such as her role as Chair of WHO’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Group for the Human Reproduction Program.

She leads several high-impact teams, including the Drivers Working Group for Countdown to 2030, which monitors progress in maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition. Additionally, she chairs the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group for WHO’s Human Reproduction Program and co-convened the Gender and COVID-19 Research Agenda Setting Collaboration, engaging over 1000 participants globally.