Introduction
Robert Scherpbier is a global public health expert, who has extensive experience in improving maternal, child and adolescent health services for vulnerable and poor communities. He aims to use implementation research and health information systems to support evidence informed decision making and improving health outcomes and health systems.
As a Senior Health Specialist on Implementation Research to the Global Financing Facility housed at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, Robert works with GFF countries providing leadership and technical guidance for the evidence based design, implementation, and financing of priority reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health, and nutrition programmes.
Prior to moving to Washington DC, Robert served UNICEF China as Chief Health, Nutrition & Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, WHO in various country-, regional- and headquarter- level roles, and the Ghana Ministry of Health as District Director of Health Services.
Trained as a medical doctor and in international health and tropical medicine, Robert Scherpbier is a results orientated team player, strategic thinker, and practical manager, who learns from his colleagues and motivates them to excel. His family and friends are a source of constant inspiration and joy.
Expert
Robert Scherpbier is a seasoned and well-connected leader in international public health.
Since March 2018, as Senior Health Specialist at the Global Financing Facility (GFF), housed at The World Bank Headquarters, he coordinates implementation research to improve maternal newborn child and adolescent health outcomes in GFF supported countries. He leads an international multi-agency coalition of experts supporting implementation research and delivery science.
In China between 2011 and 2018, as Chief Health, Nutrition & Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Robert initiated the development of national strategies on child survival, a strategy on early childhood development and adolescent health. He led his team to obtain international prizes in research and health communication.
From 1997 onwards, he served the World Health Organization as programme manager, research coordinator, and WHO Bulletin editorial advisor. He was appointed member of the UN Secretary General’s Millennium Development Goals Task Force, and provided advice on maternal, newborn and adolescent health to more than 50 countries.
Fields of expertise: Evidence for policy / knowledge valorization, Health and wellbeing, Monitoring and evaluation, Policy design and delivery