Aamir Khan

Dr. Aamir Khan is a medical epidemiologist, social entrepreneur and co-founder of IRD. He has led large-scale grants for TB, HIV, and Malaria programs and researches lung health and immunizations. Dr. Khan also co-founded two social businesses, Interactive Health Solutions and Community Health Solutions, improving access to healthcare. He holds a Ph.D. in international health from Johns Hopkins and trained in medicine at Aga Khan University.

Mark Radford has over 30 years of global leadership experience in biotechnology, medical research, and global health. He has built medtech start-ups, led major organizational transformations, and advised governments and international institutions across Africa and the MENA region. Formerly Director of the UK Medical Research Council’s Gambia Unit, he has led impactful projects for BMGF, the Global Fund, World Bank, Wellcome Trust, and others. Mark serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Audit Committee of the €2 billion EDCTP Europe-Africa health research partnership, and mentors emerging health innovators.

Robert Appelbaum is a Partner at Webber Wentzel with over 35 years in the health sector, advising multinational companies on expansion across Africa and Southeast Asia. He has led major healthcare mergers, acquisitions, and regulatory matters, and represents South Africa’s Department of Health on vaccine procurement. He supported the national COVID-19 response, including the development of 20,000 CPAP ventilators. Robert serves on boards such as the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and Access to Advanced Health Institute, and is recognized by Chambers Global, Legal 500, and Best Lawyers.

Dr. Rahbel Rahman-Tahir is an Associate Professor at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service, specializing in global health, maternal mental health, and interprofessional collaboration. Her research explores organizational, structural, and provider-level factors affecting community-based service delivery in Pakistan, Brazil, and the U.S. A Licensed Master Social Worker in New York, she uses Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) to elevate marginalized voices and advance health equity. Her work focuses on integrating mental health, maternal health, and disease prevention into community systems to improve global healthcare delivery.

Dr. Sadia Afroze Chowdhury is a distinguished global public health leader with over 40 years of experience advancing maternal, newborn, child, and reproductive health across Asia and Africa. She has held senior leadership positions at the World Bank, BRAC, and BRAC University, leading large-scale health systems, policy, and program initiatives that have improved access to quality healthcare for millions.As an independent consultant and trusted advisor to global organizations, governments, and development partners, Sadia brings deep expertise in health systems strengthening, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based policy. She serves on the Board of Directors of IRD Global, where she contributes her extensive experience in advancing equitable and sustainable health outcomes for vulnerable communities worldwide.