Abt Associates has named Bob Fryatt, a public health and health financing policy expert, as director of the Abt-led Health Finance and Governance Project (HFG), a five-year, $209 million global health project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).  HFG is designed to improve health finance and health governance systems in partner countries, leading to expanded access to health care and improved health outcomes.

Bob has more than 25 years of experience working in low- middle- and high- income countries in Asia, Africa and Europe.  His areas of expertise include: public health strategy, institutional development, health systems, governance, health economics, and service delivery reforms.

Prior to joining Abt, he worked with USAID, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the World Bank. He also served as an adviser to the South African Ministry of Health and was the coordinator of the International Health Partnership, and the High-Level Taskforce on Innovative Financing for Health Systems at the World Health Organization.

“Bob is a skilled professional in all aspects of health systems strengthening,” said Dr. Diana R. Silimperi, International Health Division Vice President. “Under his leadership, HFG will continue to expand access to health care and improve health outcomes in 25 countries around the world.”

“I am eager to begin working with the amazing talent on the HFG team,” Fryatt said. “They have a deep understanding of how to improve financing, strengthen governance and advance techniques to measure and improve health systems performance. Together we will ensure HFG continues to bring quality health services to those most in need.”

Bob was originally a clinician, obtaining his medical degree in London. He completed his Medical Doctorate on economics and TB control at the University of London, a Master’s Degree in Public Health Medicine from London University, and is a Fellow of the UK Faculty of Public Health.

Original press release on www.abtassociates.com.