My research centres on the design and evaluation of interventions to answer questions about how to deliver and finance treatment to disadvantaged populations under ‘real-world’ conditions. My strategy is to bring together empirical research tools widely used in economics and the social sciences with the operational realities of policy implementation to assess the impact of interventions targeting the poor.

My research focuses on 2 key topics. The first is the evaluation of complex health interventions. I have led large scale randomised trials, cost-effectiveness analyses and process evaluations of complex interventions to support the introduction and scale-up of new diagnostic technologies for malaria, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in Low and Middle Income Countries. Having previously led such studies in sub Saharan Africa, I have in recent years built a strong research programme in the Asia-Pacific where I currently lead or co-lead 8 projects including the recently funded PINTAR project (Protecting antibiotics) in Indonesia that aims to develop and evaluate interventions to improve the use of antibiotics in the private sector (community pharmacies and drug stores). My other area of research is health systems financing. Health economics has a major role to play in addressing the burden of disease amongst the poor by ensuring equity in health care financing. Our studies typically use the quantitative techniques of financing and benefit incidence analysis to inform policy decisions on the best mix of financing mechanisms for strengthening health systems in the Asia-Pacific. This is complemented by qualitative investigations of the context and process of implementing financing reforms. I currently lead studies evaluating financing reforms to support universal health coverage and financial protection in Cambodia and Indonesia.

I also spend quite a bit of time as joint editor-in-chief of Health Policy & Planning, one of the leading journals in health systems and policy research in the world and housed at the LSHTM. Please check out our latest articles, blogs and podcasts here! https://academic.oup.com/heapol