Dr Melville Omorlabie George

• Current:

  • Health & Development Consultant for WHO and UNICEF, specializing in health systems development and primary healthcare strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa

  • Chairman of the Gambia National Health Insurance Authority

  • President of the Gambia Medical and Dental Association

  • Chairman of the Gambia Medical and Dental Council

• Previous:

  • Director for Medical Services, The Gambia (9 years)

  • WHO Regional Advisor for Health Systems Development

  • WHO Country Representative to Ghana and Uganda

  • Specialist Oral Surgeon at the Royal Victoria Hospital

• Research focus on oral health, primary health care systems, and health financing in sub-Saharan Africa

• Published studies on the use of traditional methods for oral health improvement and the willingness/ability of Gambians to pay for healthcare services

• Extensive experience in operational research and health systems strengthening

• Awarded for Excellence in public health leadership and health systems development

• Recognized for his role in decentralizing healthcare services in The Gambia and contributing to international health policy

• Member of several international health organizations

Dr Melville Omorlabie George is a public health expert and specialist clinician with more than 30 years of national and international Experience. A dental/oral surgeon, Dr Melville worked for many years at the Royal Victoria Hospital as a specialist. Dr George was Director for Medical Services, The Gambia, for 9 years, during which he oversaw the accelerated decentralization of health services through capacity building and institutional strengthening. He has over 20 years of international public health experience in leadership and managerial positions. He has served as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Advisor in health systems development and WHO country representative to Ghana and Uganda. Dr George has been a health and development consultant to international organizations like WHO and UNICEF, serving in several countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. His other portfolio includes Examiner West African College of surgeons, President of the Gambia Medical and Dental association, Chairman of The Gambia Medical and Dental Council and Chairman of the Gambia National Health Insurance Authority. His publication/research interests include using traditional means for better oral health as well as operation research on strengthening the primary health care system and the willingness/ability of Gambians to pay for health care services