As policy advisor, Vesela Ivanova contributes to the planning of policy products, including the Smart Choice Process (SCP), a process for prioritizing AMR interventions for stronger AMR national action plan (NAP) implementation. Building on her experiences from multiple sectors (non-profit, research, clinical, global health and government), Vesela brings a unique understanding of public health systems and strategic policy development to address complex public health challenges such as AMR.
Prior to joining the AMR Policy Accelerator, she contributed to the development of public health policies at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Notably, she supported the development of the PHAC Science Strategy through coordinating international and domestic stakeholder engagements and knowledge mobilization activities.
Vesela also brings several years of leadership experience in advocacy, health promotion and education activities in the non-profit sector, particularly in the fields of gender equity and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Through her involvement in various boards and committees, Vesela has led a wide range of SRHR advocacy activities, including developing educational campaigns, delivering workshops, organizing events, and conducting research on emerging SRHR issues.
Vesela holds a Master of Science in Public Health (specialization in Global Health) from the University of Montreal and a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from McGill University. In the context of her graduate studies, Vesela had the opportunity to lead a large-scale mapping and synthesis of pro-equity strategies for immunization in low- and middle-income countries in collaboration with UNICEF, focusing on zero-dose children.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her pug, traveling and staying active through running, hiking and cycling.
Publications
Ivanova, V., Shahabuddin, A. S. M., Sharkey, A., & Johri, M. (2023). Advancing Immunization Coverage and Equity: A Structured Synthesis of Pro-Equity Strategies in 61 Gavi-Supported Countries. Vaccines, 11(1), 191.