Kate OBrien

Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Kate O'Brien is a distinguished professional serving as the Executive Director of the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) and a Professor of International Health and Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

She plays a crucial role in leading IVAC's team in producing vaccine evidence, supporting vaccine policy, and promoting vaccine access, coverage, and equity. Her expertise lies in designing evidence-based strategies to speed up vaccine implementation worldwide through various technical aspects such as health economics, finance, advocacy, communication, and epidemiology.

A key figure in the global health arena, Kate collaborates with a variety of organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ministries of health, vaccine manufacturers, NGOs, and Gavi to enhance vaccine impact and implementation.

Noteworthy is her involvement in shaping global vaccine policy as a member of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and serving on the Gavi Board.

Prior to her current role, Kate headed the Infectious Disease department at the Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, focusing on preventing infectious diseases that disproportionately affected Native Americans. Her initiatives included leading vaccine impact studies and clinical trials for key vaccines such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, and RSV monoclonal antibody.

Dr. O'Brien's educational background is impressive, having obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Toronto, a Doctor of Medicine from McGill University, and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She also completed her pediatric and infectious disease clinical training at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and served as an Epidemic Intelligence Officer at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Kate O'Brien's dedication to public health and her vast experience in epidemiology, vaccination, and global health policy make her a prominent figure in the field, contributing significantly to improving vaccine access and coverage worldwide.