Jayasree Iyer

Jayasree K. Iyer, PhD, is a leader in health equity and pharmaceutical accountability, serving as CEO of the Access to Medicine Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on guiding the pharmaceutical industry to address gaps in healthcare access. An infectious-disease scientist by training, Iyer holds multiple postgraduate degrees, including a master's and a PhD, from institutions in Singapore and the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. Her background in global health and industry informs her work on ensuring that essential medicines reach underserved populations.

Iyer joined the Access to Medicine Foundation and expanded its in-house research capabilities, leading the development of its methodology for evaluating pharmaceutical company practices. Under Iyer's leadership, the Foundation has become a significant force in global health. Its primary publications—the "Access to Medicine Index," the "Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Benchmark," and the "Access to Oncology Medicines" report—analyze how major pharmaceutical companies provide access to essential medicines in low- and middle-income countries. The Foundation's research is used by procurement agencies, funders such as Gavi and the Global Fund, and governments shaping national health strategies. The Foundation also maintains a large institutional investor signatory base in healthcare.

Before joining the Foundation, Iyer managed a portfolio of public-private partnerships between the pharmaceutical industry and its collaborators, with a budget exceeding €100 million, focusing on cancer, immunology, and neglected tropical diseases. She has co-founded organizations addressing neglected diseases, reflecting a commitment to improving global health outcomes. In her work with governments, investors, and industry, Iyer facilitates discussions on issues such as drug pricing, intellectual property management, and supply chain challenges.

Iyer contributes to global policy discussions, having spoken at the United Nations General Assembly, the World Economic Forum, the World Health Summit, the World Health Organization, and G20 health forums. Her perspectives have appeared in Fortune, The Lancet, and Stanford Social Innovation Review, and she is frequently interviewed by media including BBC, Financial Times, and CNBC Africa. Iyer serves on the technical advisory panel of Vizuri Health Dynamics, the advisory group for The Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen, and the executive committee of the Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition.

Iyer's work centers on advancing health equity and holding the pharmaceutical industry accountable for the distribution of medical innovations. Her expertise covers communicable and non-communicable diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis, cancer, and diabetes, positioning her as a key voice in the pursuit of equitable healthcare access worldwide.