Yale School of Public Health

Leaders in Public Health: Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet

The event introduced Dr. Mary‑Ann Etiebet, President and CEO of Vital Strategies, as Yale’s inaugural Leaders in Public Health of the Year. Etiebet, a Yale‑trained physician‑economist from Nigeria, recounted a career that spans frontline HIV work, a $650 million Merck for Mothers initiative, and now leading a 400‑person organization operating in more than 80 countries to strengthen public‑health systems. She emphasized three strategic pillars: shifting focus to non‑communicable diseases that now account for over 75 % of deaths in low‑ and middle‑income settings; integrating climate‑health considerations; and leveraging data‑driven policy that is co‑created with governments and communities. Etiebet argued that sustainable impact requires private‑sector collaboration, humility about unknown solutions, and a relentless focus on equity. Memorable remarks included, “We need to put the public back in public health,” and the “rising tide lifts all boats only if you have a boat” analogy from her Merck for Mothers experience. She highlighted that Vital Strategies has helped 3.3 billion people gain coverage under policies they helped shape, underscoring the tangible reach of her approach. The conversation signals a paradigm shift: donors and NGOs must move beyond vertical, siloed programs toward integrated, nationally‑aligned health systems that earn public trust through transparent, relatable communication. For students and practitioners, Etiebet’s path illustrates the value of frontline experience, interdisciplinary training, and partnership‑centric leadership in shaping the future of global health.