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Honorary Professor Lucas de Toca will discuss the global health system and its application to our region, particularly in his role as Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health.

Abstract

This lecture is part of our NCEPH Global Population Health Course and aims to promote cross-disciplinary learning and facilitate an engaging discussion among participants in regional health issues. Dr de Toca will outline Australia's engagement with health in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, working with local, regional, and global partners. Dr. de Toca will also discuss the frameworks, principles, and priorities guiding this engagement, with a focus on recent global health reform initiatives following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaker Biography

Dr Lucas de Toca

Dr Lucas de Toca is Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health. He leads the Global Health Division and heads the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Dr. de Toca is also a medical doctor, public health expert, Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of New South Wales, and Honorary Professor in the College of Health and Medicine at the Australian National University. His extensive experience in the health sector includes leading Australia’s National COVID-19 Vaccine Program, serving as Chief Health Officer at Miwatj Health in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, and holding positions such as a member of the Northern Territory Clinical Senate and board member for the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council. Additionally, Dr. Locus represents Australia on the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and has held academic positions at the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Flinders University, and Harvard University.