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Laurel Hatt
Senior Program Director at Results for Development
Professional Background
Dr. Laurel Hatt is a distinguished health economist with over 18 years of robust professional experience in health systems strengthening, health financing, and evaluation and implementation research. Currently, she serves as the Senior Program Director at Results for Development (R4D), where she leads the organization’s portfolio in Sustainable and Equitable Health Financing. Dr. Hatt’s extensive knowledge and expertise in international health economics make her a key player in shaping health policy and financial strategies across various settings.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hatt has significantly contributed to multiple global health initiatives. She currently oversees two strategic health purchasing projects in Indonesia and acts as a senior health financing advisor on two major USAID-funded global programs. Additionally, she plays a prominent role in managing R4D's work with the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI). Her commitment to strengthening health systems has been instrumental in ensuring more equitable access to healthcare in numerous countries.
Prior to her role at R4D, Dr. Hatt was the Health Finance Lead for the USAID Health Finance and Governance (HFG) project at Abt Associates. In this capacity, she successfully managed a comprehensive program of technical assistance across more than 25 countries. Her work focused on critical areas such as enhancing financial protection systems, boosting domestic resource mobilization for health, and instigating reforms in strategic purchasing. One of her notable achievements during this tenure was overseeing an implementation research initiative in Indonesia from 2015 to 2017, which aimed to examine the rollout of national health financing reforms and assess the current state of the Indonesian health system within that context.
A true thought leader in the field, Dr. Hatt authored the groundbreaking 2015 review on the Impact of Health Systems Strengthening on Health. Through rigorous qualitative and quantitative evaluations, she has contributed significantly to the understanding of health finance programs, showcasing her adeptness in utilizing various methodologies to analyze complex health issues. Her publications in peer-reviewed journals cover a wide range of topics, including vouchers, health insurance, and maternal and child health, further establishing her reputation as an authority in health economics.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Hatt holds advanced degrees from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University, known globally for its commitment to spearheading innovations in public health and international health research. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Health with a concentration in economics, equipping her with the analytical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of global health economics.
In addition to her PhD, Dr. Hatt also obtained a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) in International Public Health/International Health from Johns Hopkins University. Her foundational education includes a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Oberlin College, where she first developed her passion for understanding global dynamics, including the intersection of health policy and international relations.
Achievements
Dr. Hatt's impressive career is decorated with significant accomplishments that underscore her dedication to advancing health systems globally. Her leadership and insights have been crucial in addressing pressing health financing challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Under her guidance, various health programs have benefitted from comprehensive strategies that promote sustainability and equity in health financing.
Her published work continues to influence the fields of health economics and public health. The seminal review she authored on health systems strengthening has garnered attention from policymakers and academics alike, marking her as a leading voice in the conversation around resilient health systems. Her ability to engage in both qualitative and quantitative analyses provides a well-rounded perspective that informs effective health policy development.
Moreover, Dr. Hatt’s collaborative projects in Indonesia, along with her advisory roles in global health initiatives funded by USAID, reflect her commitment to making a tangible impact on healthcare access and quality. Through strategic partnerships and her insightful assessments, she has improved the financial architecture of health systems, ensuring they can better respond to the needs of the populations they serve.
In summary, Dr. Laurel Hatt is not just a health economist; she is a visionary leader in health financing, whose extensive experience and academic background equip her to tackle today's most pertinent global health challenges. Her unwavering dedication to strengthening health systems and improving financial access to healthcare continues to make a profound difference worldwide.