Catharina Boehme

Catharina Boehme

Catharina Boehme at the World Economic Forum, Davos 2021

Catharina Boehme is a prominent figure in the field of global health, known for her leadership in diagnostic innovation and public health policy. She has played a significant role in advancing the development and deployment of diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, particularly in low-resource settings.

Early Life and Education

Catharina Boehme was born in Germany, where she pursued her early education. She attended medical school at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, where she earned her medical degree. Her interest in infectious diseases and public health led her to further her studies in tropical medicine and international health.

Career

Boehme began her career working in various clinical and research roles, focusing on infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. Her work took her to several countries, where she gained firsthand experience in the challenges faced by healthcare systems in resource-limited settings.

FIND (Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics)

In 2009, Boehme joined the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), a global non-profit organization dedicated to the development and delivery of diagnostic tests for poverty-related diseases. She served as the Chief Executive Officer of FIND from 2013 to 2021. Under her leadership, FIND expanded its portfolio of diagnostic tools and strengthened partnerships with governments, industry, and international organizations.

During her tenure, Boehme was instrumental in the development and deployment of rapid diagnostic tests for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis C, and COVID-19. Her efforts contributed to the increased accessibility of diagnostic testing in underserved regions, improving disease detection and management.

World Health Organization

In 2021, Catharina Boehme joined the World Health Organization (WHO) as the Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. In this role, she oversees initiatives to improve access to essential medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics, with a focus on ensuring equitable distribution and addressing global health challenges.

Contributions to Global Health

Boehme's work has had a significant impact on global health, particularly in the area of diagnostics. She has advocated for the integration of diagnostic tools into health systems to enhance disease surveillance and response. Her leadership has been recognized internationally, and she continues to be a key voice in the field of public health.

Personal Life

Catharina Boehme is known for her dedication to her work and her commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide. She is an advocate for gender equality in science and medicine and supports initiatives that promote the careers of women in these fields.

Related Pages

• World Health Organization
• Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics
• Tuberculosis
• HIV
• COVID-19 pandemic