Eeshani Kandpal CV- Click Here!
Election Statement for IHEA President-Elect
Eeshani Kandpal
I am a development economist studying questions related to gender, health financing, and quality of care.
Currently, I am a Senior Fellow and research manager at the Center for Global Development (CGD) and was
previously an economist and senior economist in the World Bank’s research department. Since 2021, I have
served on IHEA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, supporting efforts to ensure that IHEA’s
activities, awards, and governance reflect our diverse community. This included contributing to a review of
the Arrow Award to strengthen transparency and broaden recognized scholarship.
I grew up in India, raised by a single mother, and came to the United States for college on a scholarship. I
hold a bachelor’s degree in economics and archeology from Macalester College and a PhD in applied
economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
My Vision
Health economics examines fairness, access, and opportunity. Who participates in our conversations
shapes our questions and solutions. Inclusion strengthens both our moral foundation and intellectual rigor.
It is my honor to stand as a candidate for President of an association that embodies excellence, collegiality,
and public purpose and is home to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers committed to advancing health
and equity through rigorous economic analysis. Indeed, IHEA has been an invaluable community in my own
professional journey. Today, our shared commitment to evidence and inclusion matters more than ever. As
President, I would deepen IHEA’s commitment to inclusion, building on its strengths while expanding
opportunities for collaboration, engagement, and leadership across our community.
Priority 1: Strengthen Interdisciplinary Collaboration
An era of aid retrenchment and domestic resource mobilization creates an opportunity to bridge
development economics and global health. Both fields analyze resource allocation and institutional design
but often do so separately. IHEA is well positioned to connect these communities.
To support interdisciplinarity, I would prioritize Congress panels featuring researchers from both
development and health economics, joint special issues with development journals, and mentorship
networks linking scholars across regions, career stages, and disciplines.
We must also consider how we train the next generation. Many Master’s in Public Health programs still lack a
core health economics requirement. An IHEA-branded common-core syllabus and teaching resources—
perhaps including an online course—could broaden analytical training and connect economic insights with
the challenges of financing equitable, high-quality health systems.
Priority 2: Advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
My experience leading a women-in-leadership program at CGD and mentoring through diversity-focused
initiatives has reinforced my belief that excellence and equity are mutually reinforcing. When diverse voices
guide our science, our work becomes more rigorous and relevant. In a time of pushback against inclusion,
sustaining this work is essential.
At this year’s Congress, I organized a session on the status of women in health economics, highlighting
persistent barriers—especially for women of color—and the importance of stronger data, mentorship, and
peer support. A review of IHEA’s EDI offerings with a deeper gender lens would help address these
challenges and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion.
As President, I would embed inclusive practices across IHEA’s conferences, mentorship programs, and
publications; expand opportunities for early-career researchers, especially in low- and middle-income
countries; and foster respectful dialogue across our network.
A Commitment to the Future
Adam Wagstaff—one of my mentors—always encouraged me to consider equity impacts: who benefits and
who is left out? If elected, I would extend his legacy, support emerging leaders, strengthen global
partnerships, and continue IHEA’s commitment to ensuring that health economics advances research to
improve health systems and, ultimately, human well-being in an inclusive and equitable way.
I ask for your support.