Who We Are | ID Alliance

Get to Know Us

The Infectious Disease Alliance (IDA) is a global public health advocacy organization dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by infectious diseases. Our alliance brings together diverse stakeholders to advocate for policies and resources aimed at preventing, treating, controlling, and researching infectious diseases worldwide.

Download Our Policy Strategy Document

Our Vision

IDA envisions a world where the burden of infectious diseases is significantly reduced, and every individual has access to the resources needed to prevent and treat infectious diseases, irrespective of their location.

Our Mission

The mission of IDA is to unite civil society organizations to drive action on the prevention, treatment, and control of infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants by advancing a One Health approach.

Our Impact Goals

CSO VOICES

IDA’s missionis to unite civil society globally, in order to strengthen Civil Society Organization (CSO) representation as a whole within the global policy-making process.

HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS

IDA supports building strong, adaptable healthcare systems. Through capacity building, innovation, and collaboration, it promotes integrated services that improve disease response, health equity, and global preparedness for health threats.

ACCESS

Equitable access to health services like vaccines, medications, and diagnostics is vital. IDA supports improved supply chains, affordability, and system capacity to ensure timely, inclusive care—especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

PREVENTION

Prevention is key in fighting infectious diseases. IDA promotes vaccines, hygiene, infection control, and safe water systems. These sustainable prevention strategies help reduce disease burden and improve health equity across all regions.

Our Core Values

01.

Sustainability

Promoting sustainable health policies and resilience strategies to address the intersection of infectious diseases and climate change.

02.

Equity

Ensuring marginalized communities have access to essential medicines and a voice in shaping inclusive global health policies.

03.

Diversity and inclusion

Bringing together diverse perspectives to ensure equitable representation in global health responses.

04.

Independence

Operating as an impartial advocacy organization free from external influences to drive impactful policy changes.

05.

Integrity and Ethics

Upholding ethical advocacy and transparent communication to keep infectious diseases a priority on the global agenda.

Our Advisors

Trusted voices guiding our journey.

Norman Begg

With nearly 40 years of expertise in infectious disease prevention and vaccine development, Norman has led impactful initiatives across both public and private sectors. At GlaxoSmithKline, he played a key role in developing and introducing life-saving vaccines, supported by his international experience from his work with the World Health Organisation. His expertise will provide strategic guidance to strengthen our vaccine advocacy initiatives, playing a critical role in advancing our mission to combat infectious diseases through a One Health approach.

Linda MacKinnon

Linda MacKinnon, MPH, PMP, is the Chief Executive Officer of the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID). She has guided major infectious disease and surveillance initiatives worldwide, including key roles in PEPFAR programs across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Previously, Linda was a federal epidemiologist at the U.S. CDC, advancing disease surveillance and outbreak response. She began her global health work as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger, West Africa. Linda studies business intelligence, and is a certified Project Management Professional & is recognized for her commitment to evidence-based strategies, global collaboration, and driving innovation to combat infectious diseases worldwide.

Yuliia Kalancha

Yuliia is the TB Europe Coalition Executive Director. She is a specialist in European Union law. Since 2011, Yuliia has worked in public health and has been involved in processes related to widening access to treatment at national, regional, and international levels. Her main areas of expertise include community mobilization, involving grassroots communities in international advocacy on access to essential medicines, and the development, design, and implementation of advocacy activities and campaigns, as well as monitoring the procurement of drugs and medical appliances.

Kåre Mølbak

Former Director of Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, agency under Danish MoH, Prof. Kåre Mølbak endorses IDA: "The landscape of infectious diseases is fragmented, with various actors working independently across different disease areas. There is an urgent need for a unifying platform like the Infectious Disease Alliance (IDA) to bring together diverse perspectives from civil society and foster collaboration, creating a unified advocacy voice to address infectious diseases globally."

Erta Kalanxhi

Dr. Erta Kalanxhi is a Fellow and Director of Partnerships based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. At the One Health Trust, she leads efforts advocating vaccines as a tool against antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries, collaborating with the World Health Organization to develop policy briefs on national antimicrobial resistance strategies. She also contributes to the Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership project across 14 African countries. Dr. Kalanxhi holds a Ph.D. in cancer research from the University of Oslo and an MSc in epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Salim Abdool Karim

Professor Salim S. Abdool Karim is a renowned clinical infectious diseases epidemiologist, serving as the CAPRISA Professor of Global Health at Columbia University and Director of CAPRISA in South Africa. His pioneering research in HIV prevention, notably the CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel trial, provided critical evidence for antiretroviral-based prevention strategies. He chairs key advisory panels for UNAIDS and WHO and has been honored with prestigious awards, including the 2024 Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award.

Tine Rikke Jørgensen

Tine Rikke Jørgensen is a senior global health expert with 20+ years’ experience in infectious diseases, vaccines, AMR, policy, and innovation across public and private sectors. She has led initiatives at WHO and major pharma companies, driving access, advocacy, and strategy. Currently a guest researcher at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, she focuses on AMR and bacteriophages. Tine also advises ID Alliance and founded Women in Global Health Denmark.

Milka Sokolovic

Dr. Milka Sokolović has served as EPHA’s Director General since April 2021. With over 20 years of experience in scientific research, science communication, and stakeholder relations, she has held leadership roles at the European Food Information Council and the European Nutrition Leadership Platform. Dr. Sokolović holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Amsterdam and a degree in Biology from the University of Belgrade. She is also a member of the WHO Civil Society Steering Committee .

Carolina Batista

Dr. Carolina Batista is a physician and global health leader with 20 years’ experience in humanitarian settings, including MSF’s COVID-19 response in the Navajo Nation and Brazil. As Head of Global Health at Baraka Impact Finance, she supports innovative solutions for underserved communities. She integrates traditional knowledge and AI tools to improve health communication and chairs DNDi Latin America. She holds degrees in medicine, public health, management, and policy.