Felicia Knaul

Julio Frenk and Felicia Knaul at the IV Leadership for the Americas Awards Gala (cropped)

Felicia Knaul is an influential figure in the fields of global health and social policy, particularly known for her work in health economics, cancer care, and health system reform in low- and middle-income countries. She has dedicated much of her career to advocating for universal health coverage and improving access to care for vulnerable populations, with a special focus on women's health issues, including breast cancer.

Early Life and Education

Felicia Knaul was born in Canada, where she developed an early interest in global health and social justice. She pursued her education with a focus on economics and international development, earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto and a Master's degree in Economics from the University of British Columbia. Knaul furthered her academic pursuits by obtaining a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University, where her research centered on health economics and policy.

Career

Knaul's professional journey has spanned academia, international organizations, and non-profit leadership. She has held faculty positions at several prestigious universities, including the University of Miami, where she has contributed significantly to the field of global health studies. Knaul's work has often intersected with policy development, and she has served as a consultant for various international bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank.

One of Knaul's notable contributions is her leadership in the fight against cancer in developing countries. She founded the non-profit organization Cancer de Mama: Tómatelo a Pecho, which promotes breast cancer awareness, research, and policy advocacy in Latin America. Her efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of early detection and the need for comprehensive cancer care in the region.

Advocacy and Impact

Knaul's advocacy work extends beyond cancer care. She is a vocal proponent of universal health coverage, arguing that access to quality health care is a fundamental human right. Her research and policy recommendations have influenced health system reforms in several countries, aiming to make health care more accessible and affordable for all, especially the poor and marginalized communities.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Knaul's personal experience with breast cancer has deeply informed her advocacy. Diagnosed with the disease in 2007, she has been open about her journey, using it to further humanize and destigmatize the conversation around cancer, particularly in societies where the topic remains taboo.

Publications

Felicia Knaul has authored and co-authored numerous articles, books, and reports on health economics, cancer care, and global health policy. Her publications are widely regarded as essential readings for policymakers, health care professionals, and academics interested in health system reform and cancer care in low- and middle-income countries.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Knaul has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to global health and cancer advocacy. These accolades reflect her impact on improving health care systems and her unwavering commitment to advocating for the health rights of underserved populations.

Personal Life

Felicia Knaul is married to Julio Frenk, a prominent figure in global health who has served as the Minister of Health of Mexico and the President of the University of Miami. Together, they have been a powerful force in health policy and advocacy, working on numerous initiatives aimed at improving health care access and quality around the world.

See Also

• Global Health
• Health Economics
• Cancer Care
• Universal Health Coverage