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Global Health

Our global health expertise includes project design, evaluation, grant implementation, impact assessment, and governance. We provide advisory support on budgeting and funding reviews for organizations such as UNITAID, the Global Fund, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Australian aid program, United Nations agencies, and the Asian Development Bank. Our work spans countries across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific

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Services

Project Design
Impact Assessment
Evaluation
Governance

Featured Project

Commission for AIDS in Asia
UNAIDS
Asia
06/06-03/08
In 2008, the Commission on AIDS in Asia, chaired by Dr. C. Rangarajan and supported by UNAIDS, released the landmark report Redefining AIDS in Asia: Crafting an Effective Response. The study found that over 90% of new HIV infections were among key populations, including sex workers, people who inject drugs, and men who have sex with men. The report called for targeted, evidence-based prevention strategies. Ross McLeod led cost-effectiveness modelling and economic analyses, producing the accompanying paper Asia Can Afford Universal Access, published in AIDS. The study demonstrated that universal access to HIV services was both affordable and economically justified

Completed Global Health Projects

World Health Organization Technical and Scientific Advisory Group on the Development of Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for Snake Antivenom Products

Africa Regional

03/22-04/23
Image by Javi Hoffens
World Health Organization

Ross was selected to join the Target Product Profile Technical Advisory Group. WHO is targeting a 50% reduction in deaths and disabilities caused by snakebite envenoming (snakebite) by 2030. To achieve this, access to safe, effective, and affordable antivenom in snakebite endemic countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, is critical. WHO is exploring a pathway for prequalification of antivenoms and identified a need to develop Target Product Profiles (TPPs) to support optimization of current and emerging products. WHO, in close collaboration with DNDi, will work on the development of TPPs for snake antivenom products for Sub-Saharan Africa and other snakebite endemic regions. Resulting TPPs will assist product standardization and guide more targeted research and development of antivenoms across the world
https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/technical-and-scientific-advisory-group-on-the-development-of-target-product-profiles-for-snake-antivenom-products

Mid Term Review – Rural Primary Health Services Delivery Project

Papua New Guinea

3/16-5/16
Image by Javi Hoffens
Asian Development Bank

The evaluation identified outstanding issues that impacted project implementation and completion. It assessed the project’s relevance in relation to the Mid-term review of the National Health Plan and current health sector needs. The efficiency of consultants, resources, and the capacity of the executing and implementing agencies to deliver project outputs was evaluated. Best practices and lessons learned were identified. Based on the findings, recommendations were provided for necessary changes or re-scoping to improve project outcomes and ensure successful completion in alignment with health sector priorities

Project Performance Evaluation – Pacific HIV Response Fund

Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati

11/13-3/14
Image by Javi Hoffens
Secretariat of the Pacific Community

Evaluation involved collecting data relevant to the evaluation criteria of project relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact. Specific objectives included assessing the overall performance and impact of the Response Fund in controlling HIV/STIs in the Pacific and its contributions to regional complementary funds. The evaluation also focused on SPC’s role as the Principal Recipient (PR), responsible for fund administration, management, and delivery. Additionally, the effectiveness of capacity development and technical assistance under PRISP II was assessed, along with the financial sustainability of the project and its contributions to gender equality, human rights, and value for money

Project Performance Evaluation - Decentralized Health Services Project

Indonesia

12/12-3/13
Image by Javi Hoffens
Asian Development Bank

Responsible for collecting data relevant to the evaluation criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact. Prepared evaluation report for $100 million loan

ADB Rural Health Project Evaluation

Vietnam

07/10-12/10
Image by Javi Hoffens
Asian Development Bank

The evaluation project consulted a range of stakeholders, including provincial governments, health bureaus, staff using supported facilities, beneficiaries, local leaders, and partners. Field visits were conducted in six provinces with the largest investments, visiting both the largest and smallest supported facilities. Information was collected using a standard data collection instrument, covering civil works, equipment, training, financial management, and monitoring. A financial and economic evaluation of the project was conducted, including an analysis of pre-project and post-project conditions. Issues affecting project implementation, such as delays, were reviewed to determine causes, key factors, and to propose mitigation strategies

Costing of Philhealth’s Outpatient Benefit Package (OPB) of Services

Philippines

03/08-07/08
Image by Javi Hoffens
European Union Technical Assistance

A cost analysis of existing services was conducted across high, medium, and low insurance coverage scenarios. It included projections for a new service package delivered as a standalone offering, alongside routine services, or as an integrated package. Key budget estimates covered personnel, drugs, medical supplies, and capital expenditures. Additionally, calculations assessed the adequacy of the capitation fund and various provider payment mechanisms. This analysis provides essential insights for optimizing healthcare service delivery in relation to available resources and coverage levels.

Poverty Analysis for Fighting HIV/AIDS in Asia and the Pacific

Asia Regional

07/07 – 11/07
Image by Javi Hoffens
UNAIDS and ADB

The study assessed the economic impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Key tasks included conducting a poverty analysis and developing a poverty profile that quantified the impact of HIV/AIDS on poverty, including a gender-disaggregated level, focusing on incomes, savings, assets, schooling, family size, and the vulnerability of the poor and near-poor to health-related shocks in selected countries in the Asia and Pacific region. The study was presented at ICAPP in Sri Lanka and featured as a lead health story in the Times of India.

UNITAID – Proposal Review Committee

Asia and Africa Regional

06/18-07/22
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Unitaid

Unitaid manages a portfolio of 40 grants, valued at US$1 billion. During 2017, US$303 million in grants were approved focusing on malaria during pregnancy, emergency child artesunate treatment, HIV self-testing kits in Africa, and TB prevention for high-risk groups. Member of proposal review commitee for 4 years. 

Strengthening of Preventive Health Services Project – Project Completion Report

Vietnam

12/14-3/15
Image by Javi Hoffens
Asian Development Bank

Secondary data was collected to assess the overall achievements of the project, including conducting economic and financial analysis. The evaluation focused on key benefits such as improved health status in the project provinces, evidenced by increased service use in preventive medicine systems, enhanced health surveillance and disease control, upgraded provincial health systems, improved staff capacity, and effective project management. The project's financial sustainability was also assessed. Based on these findings, recommendations were provided for future project operations, and lessons learned were summarized to inform the planning and implementation of similar initiatives

GAVI Independent Review Committee

Global

06/12-5/14
Image by Javi Hoffens
GAVI Vaccine Alliance

Participation on the Commitees involved providing country grant renewal recommendations to the Board and offering mid-term and long-term programmatic, financial, and policy recommendations for the US$ 7.3 billion 2011-2015 portfolio. It included an independent, systematic review of new proposals and monitoring existing support to countries. Budget impact analysis was conducted, along with an assessment of outcomes for various vaccines, including pneumococcal, rotavirus, pentavalent (DTP-hep B-Hib), HPV, polio, measles, rubella, yellow fever, and Meningitis A. 

Value for money Analysis of Australia Africa Community Engagement Scheme

Africa Regional

08/11-3/12
Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The project developed a framework to analyze the costs and benefits of the overall AACES program, covering projects in water and sanitation, mother and child health, HIV/AIDS, food security, law and justice, and reproductive health. It involved benchmarking and comparing the costs and benefits of AACES against a range of other activities funded by AusAID in Africa. The analysis aimed to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the AACES program relative to similar initiatives, providing insights for improving future program design and funding decisions

Economics of Counterfeit Medicines in the Mekong

Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam

08/08 - 01/09
Image by Javi Hoffens
Asian Development Bank

The study reviewed and compiled existing data on the prevalence of counterfeit HIV, TB, and malaria medicines in the Mekong region and quantified their economic impact. It focused on estimating the financial value of counterfeit drug sales relative to the overall market for these infectious disease medicines, as well as the economic costs to households and national economies from using drugs with low efficacy. A model was developed to assess the economic consequences of counterfeit drug use in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, including increased lost workdays, carer costs, and higher health expenditures

Design of the Health Care in the South Central Coast Region project for the Asian Development Bank

Vietnam

04/07-08/07
Image by Javi Hoffens
Asian Development Bank

Key tasks included providing orientation for provincial health teams on financial analysis of provincial health systems and evaluating the fiscal situation in eight provinces, including their allocation mechanisms.


Additionally, basic provincial health accounts were prepared for each province, detailing sources and uses of funds. Projected cost analyses were conducted for a new package of services under various scenarios, including delivering the package as the only activity, offering OPB services alongside routine services, and implementing an integrated package.


The cost analysis covered major budget lines such as personnel, drugs and medical supplies, and capital expenditures. It also assessed the adequacy of the capitation fund and explored different provider payment mechanisms.

Joint Assessment to Prepare the Viet Nam National Avian Influenza Operational Work Plan

Vietnam

04/06-05/06
Image by Javi Hoffens
World Bank

The general objectives of the Joint Assessment included assisting the government in finalizing a detailed medium-term national Avian Influenza operational program. The assessment evaluated the national operational program regarding its breadth, prioritization, and sequencing of activities. A comprehensive financing plan for implementing the Work Program was developed, incorporating support from all Official Development Assistance (ODA) sources and identifying potential financing gaps. Key tasks for the consultant involved costing plan components using Costab  tables, preparing the financing plan, and establishing contract packaging. The results of the evaluation were summarized in a Joint Evaluation Report, which was endorsed by the international donor community and served as a reference for activities supported by donor agencies

Global Fund to Fights AIDS, TB, and Malaria – Technical Review Panel member

Asia and Africa Regional

11/16-04/20
Image by Javi Hoffens
Global Fund to Fights AIDS, TB, and Malaria

Panel assesses the strategic focus, technical soundness, and potential for impact of funding requests in accordance with the Global Fund strategy

ADB and Vietnam - Country Partnership Strategy for 2016 – 2020

Vietnam

1/15-4/15
Image by Javi Hoffens
Asian Development Bank

Tasks involved conducting discussions with key stakeholders, including the ADB resident mission, government agencies, and development partners. Relevant national health sector policies were identified and analyzed. A draft health country strategy report was produced, incorporating recommendations from stakeholders. Additionally, a dissemination workshop was organized to share findings and engage stakeholders in discussions on the report’s content and recommendations. The process facilitated collaboration and ensured that the insights and feedback from all relevant parties were considered in the final report and subsequent project decisions

Evaluation of the Global Fund HIV Program in the Republic of Georgia

Georgia

11/12-01/13
Image by Javi Hoffens
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria

The evaluation determined the impact and outcomes of the HIV program in Georgia, assessing the quality of services where data was available. Unit costs for prevention, treatment, care, support, and program management activities were estimated. The evaluation identified the most effective interventions being implemented to address the epidemic and achieve future impact. Additionally, it outlined expenditure implications for the next three years, considering potential re-programming scenarios. The findings provided insights about the program’s effectiveness, cost efficiency, and strategic direction for continued HIV response in Georgia

Evaluation of the Tibet Health Sector Support Program

China

5/10-8/10
Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The project involved the preparation of an Independent Completion Report (ICR), which included directing team inputs and responsibilities, coordinating in-country mission logistics, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality reports. Ross managed the ICR team, effectively utilizing each team member's expertise to meet the Terms of Reference and contractual obligations. He took primary responsibility for evaluating key areas such as overall program design, program management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), gender considerations, and other relevant aspects. The ICR aimed to assess the project’s performance, outcomes, and alignment with its intended objectives and impact

Economic Evaluation of Bio security Research Projects in Australia

Australia

05/09-08/09
Image by Javi Hoffens
Australian Bio security Cooperative Research Centre

Cost-benefit models were developed, and a report was prepared to document the economic evaluation of projects within the research center’s portfolio. This evaluation focused on four key elements: developing more cost-effective tools and systems for disease detection and surveillance; transferring knowledge and technologies to public health, environmental, and community sectors by enhancing national and international collaborative linkages and networks within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region; and equipping researchers, professionals, and community members with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to emerging infectious disease threats. The report provided insights into the economic implications of these initiatives

Estimation of Resource Needs for HIV Prevention in Young People Across Asia

Asia Regional

10/07-11/07
Image by Javi Hoffens
UNICEF

Key tasks included conducting resource needs estimations based on the costing of a minimum package of effective interventions for HIV prevention aimed at adolescents and young people. A differential analysis estimated the required resources for interventions targeting "most-at-risk" adolescents (MARAs), especially vulnerable adolescents (EVAs), and the general population perceived as “low or no” risk of HIV. Specific packages were costed, including peer education and outreach, youth-friendly services (STI diagnosis, treatment, HIV testing, and counseling), drug-related harm reduction services, life skills-based education in schools, community outreach, information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns, mass media campaigns, and policy interventions. 

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