Dr. Michael French is an expert in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and has spent more than 15 years working on NTD control and elimination programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He serves as the Implementation Director of the Act to End NTDs | East program, a global flagship initiative to help endemic countries fight neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In his current role, Dr. French oversees NTD program implementation activities in 13 countries. Previously, he was a Senior Manager and schistosomiasis focal point on USAID’s ENVISION project, implemented by RTI.
Prior to joining RTI, he led a $35 million, five-year development program in Ethiopia that involved collaboration with government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and funding agencies.
Dr. French has developed strong partnership and influencing skills in his field, both with funding agencies and with organizations that influence international policy, such as the World Health Organization and the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance. He has experience setting up field offices, developing cross-sectoral partnerships, and sensitively and effectively dealing with partners from diverse cultural backgrounds.
