Clinton Health Access Initiative names Buddy Shah as new CEO

USA – Dr. Neil Buddy Shah has been named CEO of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, signaling the global health organization’s shift toward growth in low- and middle-income countries and the use of new philanthropic efforts to help fund the expansion.

Shah is currently the managing director of GiveWell, a global health and development research and funding organization, and was previously the co-founder and CEO of IDinsight, a data analytics and advisory firm.

Shah, who is also a leader in the “Effective Altruism” movement, will begin his new position at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) on June 14.

“Far too many of our fellow humans die from preventable causes or lack the opportunity to live their fullest lives, simply by accident of the circumstances of their birth,” Shah said in a statement.

“I believe that CHAI has the people, skills, and track record to drive transformational impact in changing this reality, alongside our government partners.”

Dr. Neil Buddy Shah succeeds interim co-CEOs Joy Phumaphi and Ann Veneman, who will remain on the CHAI Board of Directors.

Buddy will collaborate with the Board, CHAI’s Senior Leadership Team, and staff to develop and implement CHAI’s transformational change strategy in service of our government partners.

Joy will collaborate closely with Buddy during the leadership transition, including deepening CHAI’s ongoing initiatives in primary healthcare and CHAI’s localization efforts to best represent the communities we serve.

She will also collaborate with Buddy on the intersection of climate and health as co-Chair of the Lancet Pathfinder Commission on Climate Change and Health.

CHAI was founded in 2002 and currently works in 35 countries to strengthen health systems for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and cancer, as well as to reduce maternal and infant mortality and improve vaccine access.

CHAI-negotiated pricing on medications, vaccines, and other health tools is available in over 125 countries.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Buddy Shah to lead CHAI,” former President Bill Clinton, CHAI’s co-founder, said in a statement.

“I feel today like I did 20 years ago when we embarked on CHAI’s life-saving work: hopeful about the future. I’m confident that Buddy will help us continue to solve big problems and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.”

Alan Schwartz, CHAI’s chairman of the board and its CEO search committee, said Shah’s experience “is a perfect fit for CHAI’s next phase of growth.”

Liked this article? Sign up to receive our regular email newsletters, focused on Africa and World’s healthcare industry, directly into your inbox. SUBSCRIBE HERE