Chair of UHC 2030, Former Minister of Public Health, Guinea-Bissau
Dr. Magda Robalo is a distinguished public health physician and infectious disease expert with over 30 years of experience in global health. She currently serves as the President and co-founder of the Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD), dedicated to advancing gender equity and leadership in healthcare. Previously, she was the Minister of Health and High Commissioner for the COVID-19 response in Guinea-Bissau, where she led transformative health sector reforms and pandemic response efforts.
Prior to her government service, Dr. Robalo spent two decades with the World Health Organization, holding senior positions. She has played a pivotal role in shaping policies for infectious disease control, health system strengthening, and vaccine access across Africa. Additionally, she has been a strong advocate for gender equity in health leadership.
Dr. Robalo also leads the Ethics and Governance Committee of the Global Fund. She holds a medical degree from the University of Porto, Portugal, and postgraduate qualifications in public health and epidemiology.
