Elana Robertson

Elana Robertson is a global health consultant with over 25 years of international leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry and non-profit global health organizations. Elana was born and raised in South Africa, where she developed a keen interest in equitable healthcare and social justice. 

After completing her MSc degree at the University of Stellenbosch, Elana worked with various pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi Pasteur, Novartis Vaccines and Roche, in various international leadership roles in market access, commercialization, and business development. During her career in the pharmaceutical industry, she launched multiple drugs and vaccines on a global, regional, and local level.  

Driven by her passion for making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations, she transitioned to the non-profit sector, where she led teams of experts in expanding access to high-quality health products and technologies in low- and middle-income countries.  Elana, a specialist in international strategy development and implementation and partnerships, has produced results with high level and diverse stakeholders that include: leaders of UN agencies (WHO, UNICEF, GDF); Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs); donors (Gates Foundation, UNITAID, Co-Lab); Ministries of Health and thought leaders from around the world.  

Prior to her consultancy role, Elana was a Commercial Lead for Global Health Labs (funded by Gates Ventures- the private office of Bill Gates Gates), who innovates technologies for impact to address unmet healthcare needs, in low- and middle-income countries. While at Global Health Labs, Elana successfully negotiated several partnerships with medical diagnostic and medical device companies, Ministry of Health, Global NGO’s and local implementation partners to ensure the successful introduction of GH Labs innovative technologies in LMIC’s.  

Elana, is a member of the WHO Strategic Technical Advisory Group for Medical Devices and a member of the Every Breath Count COVID Coalition. She is also passionate about protecting and enhancing water sources and serve on the Board of Directors for the Puget Soundkeeper.