
Ratna Devi
Board Member and Trustee, Dakshama Health and Education and Founding Board Member, Healthy India Alliance (HIA)
India
Why would you like to be on the NCDA Board of Directors?
NCDA is an unique organisation positioned strategically to bring a change for NCDs and help various stakeholders work towards achieving the SDG goals. I am deeply committed to addressing the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health that drive NCDs. My goal is to support the Alliance in strengthening global advocacy, promoting multi-sectoral collaboration, and ensuring equitable access to prevention and treatment services. With a strong commitment to global health equity and NCD prevention, I believe my expertise, leadership experience, and passion for policy advocacy can contribute significantly to the Alliance’s mission.
I have the following relevant experience and expertise
- Public Health Leadership: Over 25 of experience in global health programs, NCD prevention, and health policy. • Advocacy and Policy Influence: A track record of engaging with governments, international agencies, and civil society organizations to advance public health policies with previous experience in International Charities.
- Strategic Governance: Experience serving on boards of health-focused organizations, contributing to strategic planning and governance both Nationally and Internationally
- Health Equity and Community Engagement: Deep understanding of the intersection of NCDs, poverty, and social determinants of health, with experience working with underserved populations.
I believe I can contribute to the board by
- Strengthening global and regional advocacy for NCD prevention and control.
- Expanding partnerships with governments, the private sector, and civil society.
- Enhancing the Alliance’s strategic direction and governance effectiveness.
- Working with Bilateral and Multilateral agencies
What makes you a good candidate for the NCDA Board of Directors?
I bring in an unique intersection of a being a public health physician, understanding of global health and Non Communicable diseases and a lived experience. Combined with over 30 years of experience in National and Global health issues, I believe I can contribute meaningfully in driving NCDAs mission to improve access and make treatments for NCDs available to everyone in need. My experience of working with WHO- Nationally, regionally and in Geneva will add value technically as well as in bringing other UN agencies and multilateral organisations working on NCDs to the table for discussion and partnerships. I have travelled widely on work and understand multicultural contexts and work settings as well as political and geographical influences that drive the NCD epidemic. My experience on International boards will bring in strong governance skills, strategic plans and technical products that can help drive the mission of NCDA forward in a meaningful, impactful and resource optimised way. I am a good negotiator and can address complex problems breaking them into small understandable bits and help find solutions. I am a people person thriving in teams and can step back or lead as necessary.
Biography
A medical doctor, public health and management professional, Dr Ratna Devi brings more than 30 years of experience working to improve health outcomes in India, South East Asia and globally; Her focus has been on Health system strengthening, specifically policy Analysis, Quality assurance, institutional capacity building and Advocacy. In her leadership roles she has led her organisations strategic plans, risk management strategies and business plans. In her role as the Board member and Chair of International organisations, she has also dealt with governance, international charity law and has successfully established two new entities in one year. She is a recognised speaker and author having represented her organisations at various platforms, including WHO, WIPO, UN and other agencies. She is also a published author for scientific research articles as well as opinion pieces and op eds in leading local and global media.