Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and your journey with IDA so far?
A: I’m originally from Seattle, WA, USA, though I moved to the Netherlands last year to pursue my MBA. My professional journey began in bioengineering and transitioned into global health, where I focused on product development for neglected tropical diseases and oncology capacity building in African countries. Recently joining the IDA team, I’m excited to contribute to the launch, market uptake, and impact realization of the NCDconnect platform.
Q: Callie, beyond your role at IDA, what brings you joy outside of the office?
A: My happiest place is undoubtedly in nature. Whether it’s mountaineering, rock climbing, rafting, or backpacking, I thrive when I’m outdoors. Since my recent move to a flat country (😉), I’ve taken up long-distance ultrarunning as a new challenge. I also have a deep love for travel, enjoy painting watercolors, and love spending time with my friends and family.
Q: What drives your passion for working in the field of global health?
A: Working in global health has been incredibly fulfilling for me. The field allows me to address critical gaps in our global societal fabric, focusing on healthcare and access to medicines. I firmly believe in the right of every person to receive dignified and quality healthcare. What sets global health apart is the shared common value among partners to create positive impact and empower people, rather than solely pursuing profit. I love to work in a global space where I get daily cross-cultural experience and relationships; I find myself constantly inspired by partners and stakeholders in global health.
Q: Why do you believe NCDconnect is crucial, and what gaps does it fill?
A: Drawing from my experience in oncology in Africa, key challenges include fragmented demand and affordability. NCDconnect addresses these issues by digitizing the pooled procurement model. It empowers buyers to meet manufacturers’ minimum order quantities, drive down prices through volume, and consolidate market power to incentivize innovative product entry.
I don’t believe a single solution to the problem exists, but I’m excited to be behind a platform that I believe can make a significant contribution/impact in global access of high-quality NCD medicines.
Q: What is your role on the NCDconnect platform, and what does the process involve for you?
A: My role is multi-faceted. I bring in the buyers’ perspective to ensure our product aligns with current buying processes and patterns, driving value for organizations and governments in low- and middle-income countries. I work on curating a fit-for-market product portfolio of NCD medicines, medical supplies, and diagnostics. And—with this blog series as an example—I support our communications and marketing campaigns to drive awareness and partnerships to the platform.
Callie’s background working in NCDs on the African continent, and passion for global health bring a unique perspective to the NCDconnect initiative. Stay tuned for more insights into the dedicated individuals shaping the future of healthcare accessibility. 😊
For inquiries and to explore potential partnerships, feel free to reach out to us at ncd@idafoundation.org.
And to stay informed on the latest updates and news from NCDconnect, follow us on LinkedIn or access the NCDconnect platform