Dr Ana Maria Buller joins Dr Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas as Co-Director of the Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive and Child Health (MARCH) Centre.

Ana, Associate Professor in Social Sciences in the department of Global Health and Development, leads research on gender based violence, violence against women and girls, and adolescent girls sexual and reproductive health.

Ana said: "I’m thrilled to step into the role of Co-Director at the MARCH Centre. As the former Director of the Gender Violence and Health Centre (GVHC), I’m excited to strengthen connections between MARCH and GVHC, explore new collaborations with partners in Latin America, and bring a stronger focus on integrating gender-based violence into the Centre’s work.

"I deeply value the opportunity to work collaboratively with my fellow Co-Directors and to learn from the exciting and impactful work happening across the Centre as we continue advancing maternal, adolescent, reproductive, and child health."

Ana takes on this role from Professor Debra Jackson, who was the Centre’s Deputy Director from 2020-2022 and Co-Director from 2022-2024. Debra’s commitment and leadership over the past four years was integral in shaping the 2023-2027 MARCH strategy, establishing a long term agreement with the World Health Organization for data and research in maternal and child health, developing the Centre's rotating leadership model and expanding the MARCH Steering Committee to include special topics such as climate change.

Debra said: “MARCH is the perfect opportunity for new members of staff and students to establish networks within LSHTM in the field of maternal, adolescent, reproductive and child health. Joining MARCH gave me an immediate cohort of colleagues to work with and think about exciting contributions both within and external to LSHTM.

“I cannot imagine my time at LSHTM without MARCH and I want to thank my many colleagues, too many to name here, but of course in particular Joy Lawn for her inspiration and leadership, and my fellow Co-Directors Susannah Mayhew, Rebecca Sear and Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas!

“I look forward to continuing to participate in MARCH as an active member, supporting our new Director team, Adura, Ana and Hannah.”

Dr Hannah Blencowe now steps into the MARCH leadership team as Deputy Director. Hannah, Associate Professor in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health within the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology - International Health, works across maternal, newborn and child health, and stillbirth research.

Hannah said: “I'm really excited to be taking on the role of MARCH Deputy Director. I've been involved with MARCH since it was founded in 2009, and more recently co-led the Child theme. It's been fantastic to see everything the Centre has accomplished through its events, research, and innovations over the years.

“I'm committed to working with the leadership team to continue to build on this great foundation, using the resources we have here at LSHTM and actively seeking collaborations with external organisations to tackle the challenges in maternal, adolescent, reproductive, and child health through our education, research, and advocacy. I'm also really passionate about empowering the next generation of researchers, policymakers, and programmers in this crucial field.”