Ms Melinda McKay

Melinda McKay applies behavioural science to improve global health outcomes, directing the Behavior Initiative at JSI, a global non-profit. In this capacity, she leads efforts to integrate social and behaviour change and human-centred design into public health programs worldwide, designing and implementing strategies that translate behavioural insights into action. Her work addresses diverse challenges, from strengthening nursing workforce practices for a UN agency and increasing family planning uptake in Egypt, to tackling TB stigma in Kyrgyzstan and supporting governments in applying behavioural science to vaccination programs. She has also driven health system innovations, including redefining women’s health centres in the Balkans and co-developing public-private partnership strategies in Africa. Previously Melinda was Senior Vice President at a Fortune 500 company, advising governments and major multinationals on large-scale economic development and commercial projects, which she commentated on for CNN, WSJ and others. She holds an MSc from Johns Hopkins University, USA, a BSc from the University of New South Wales Business School, Australia and is finalising a PhD in behavioural science at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK, where she has taught MSc courses.