MIAS was honoured to host Dr Stephanie Williams, Ambassador for Health Security in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Dr Stephanie Williams was appointed as Australia’s Ambassador for Regional Health Security in March 2020. As Ambassador, Dr Williams supports the advancement of Australia’s interests in the Indo-Pacific by fostering linkages between Australia’s world-class public health and medical research experts and partners in the region. In addition, she guides the implementation of the $300 million Health Security Initiative for the Indo-Pacific region.
Dr Williams spoke on the impact of COVID-19 on health in the Asia-Pacific, while also discussing Australia’s efforts in combating the pandemic. Dr Williams also discussed regional collaboration in developing a virus and a plan to stop spread of the Virus.
Dr Williams also discussed her career. Prior to joining DFAT, Dr Williams was a Medical Adviser in the Office of Health Protection in the Australian Government Department of Health. Her previous roles include: Public Health Registrar for Victoria’s Chief Health Officer; Epidemiologist in Global Health Security for the World Health Organization (WHO); and a medical doctor for Medicines Sans Frontières and the WHO.
We are grateful to Dr Williams for speaking with us during these busy and difficult times. We appreciate the work you and your staff are doing during this hectic period in which countries continue to battle the extremities of the COVID-19 pandemic.