Dr Manica Balasegaram is a global health leader and experienced medical professional specializing in infectious diseases, clinical development and organizational leadership. Before becoming the Executive Director of the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), he trained as a medical doctor at the University of Nottingham, UK, beginning his career in internal and emergency medicine.

From 2001, Dr Balasegaram worked as a doctor and researcher in various countries across sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia, focusing on humanitarian emergencies with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). His career includes significant contributions to clinical trials and drug development, particularly in developing therapeutics for bacterial and parasitic infections. He served as Head of the Leishmaniasis Clinical Programme at the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) before returning to MSF as Executive Director of their Access Campaign.

In June 2016, after he was appointed as Executive Director of GARDP, Dr Balasegaram led the organization through its transition to an independent entity, launching four programmes and assembling a skilled team. He also has governance experience as a Board member of the Medicines Patent Pool and FIND’s Scientific Advisory Committee, and previously as Board member and Treasurer of MSF Switzerland.

With over 20 years working in global health, Dr Balasegaram has a proven track record in partnership building, resource mobilization, stakeholder management, and governance. Key achievements include mobilizing over €180 million in funding, leading successful R&D projects, and influencing treatment guidelines for malaria, trypanosomiasis, and leishmaniasis. He excels in strategic planning, leadership, project management, advocacy, and public communications.

Dr Balasegaram is deeply committed to improving access to essential medicines and has extensive experience in health policy, drug regulation, and capacity building.