Edward Kelley, PhD is a global health leader with more than 25 years of experience improving how health systems deliver care—especially in low- and middle-income countries. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Persown Connect, where he supports efforts to bring affordable, high-quality diagnostic tools to communities with limited resources. His work focuses on building partnerships, guiding strategy, and helping innovations scale in ways that are practical and equitable.
Previously, Ed was Chief Global Health Officer at ApiJect Systems, a U.S.-based public benefit company working to make vaccines and injectable medicines safe and affordable worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped lead global vaccination efforts, addressing challenges across production, supply chains, and delivery. He also led major initiatives with partners such as the Gates Foundation to expand access to injectable contraception and HIV prevention.
Earlier, Ed served as Director of Integrated Health Services at the World Health Organization, overseeing programs in primary care, patient safety, quality of care, and health system performance. He led WHO’s work on maintaining essential health services during COVID-19 and integrating immunization into primary care. He has also held senior roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the OECD, and USAID, and has lived and worked across Africa, Latin America, and the Western Pacific.
