Professional Life

Dr. Sadasivan Sreemathy Lal, an esteemed figure in the realm of public health, has carved out an illustrious career that spans over 25 years, marked by unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and tangible impacts across the globe. With a deep-seated passion for enhancing public health, Dr. Lal's journey is distinguished by his roles in advocacy, strategy development, partnership building, health financing, fundraising, and the deployment of digital health innovations. His hands-on experience in spearheading health program implementations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, underscores his dedication to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our times.

Dr. Lal has been instrumental in leading global partnerships, showcasing his expertise across continents including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the USA. His leadership portfolio features prestigious positions within international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), The Global Fund, and various intergovernmental, non-governmental, and private-sector organizations.

Currently, he plays a pivotal role in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as the director of ReAct Asia Pacific. He also serves as the Professor and Head of Public Health at the Global Institute of Public Health (GIPH) in India, a role through which he continues to mold future leaders in public health. He heads AMR Unit and One Health Unit at GIPH.

In addition to his academic and leadership endeavors, Dr. Lal is the Founder President of the Global Foundation for Health and Hygiene, USA. His career is punctuated with significant contributions to the global TB portfolio, leading innovative public health interventions and guiding countries in implementing national health programs.

Dr. Lal's extensive experience also extends to health financing, grant management, program evaluation, and operational research, with a proven track record in mobilizing funds, developing proposals, and crafting global health strategies. His work has not only facilitated large-scale public-private partnerships but has also been central to the launch of innovative pilots focusing on the engagement of the private health sector, professional organizations, and communities.

A luminary in public health, Dr. Lal has influenced the development and revision of global and national guidelines in communicable diseases such as TB, HIV, and malaria. His visionary approach is evident in the conception, design, and implementation of programs that have reached millions, showcasing his ability to bridge gaps between local needs and global health objectives.Dr. Lal's contributions to public health are further augmented by his academic prowess, with qualifications that include a medical degree (MBBS), an MPH, an MBA, and a PhD from Leiden University, Netherlands. His role as an educator and mentor spans across several universities globally, guiding PhD, MPH, and MBA fellows in their scholarly pursuits.

With travels to over 75 countries for work and a wealth of published work in peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Lal also boasts extensive experience in media, having presented over 500 episodes of India's first weekly health show on a global television channel. His creative side is expressed through his writing, including novels, short stories, and blogs, alongside his contributions as an editor and columnist for prominent health and general publications.

Dr. S.S. Lal's professional life is a testament to his extraordinary ability to lead, inspire, and effectuate change, making him a revered figure in the global public health landscape.