Dr Melinda McKay

Melinda McKay is a global leader in applying behavioral sciences to improve health, with experience spanning 26 countries. At JSI, an international non-profit, she drives the integration of social and behavior change and human-centred design across programs worldwide, turning behavioral insights into practical strategies for impact. 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. Dr McKay 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 she 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. Dr McKay holds a PhD from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK (where she has taught MSc courses), an MSc from Johns Hopkins University, USA, and a BSc from the University of New South Wales Business School, Australia.