Dr. Harvy Joy Liwanag is a global health specialist with an emphasis on research questions relevant to health systems strengthening in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in the Indo Pacific region. His research is focused on interrogating concepts and analysing mechanisms in health systems to promote better understanding that can influence changes in policy and practice. His research has explored the concept and practice of accountability, reflexivity, and participatory approaches in global health. His studies on the impact of decentralising the public health sector in the Philippines has been cited as a reference for understanding and optimising decentralisation in several LMICs. He has worked closely with both government and non-government organisations to support human resources for health planning at the national level and capacity strengthening for health policy and systems research at organisational levels.

Harvy is originally from the Philippines and holds a dual degree of Doctor of Medicine, Master of Business Administration from the Ateneo de Manila University and a PhD in Epidemiology from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. He is currently a postdoctoral research fellow of the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine in Bern, Switzerland with adjunct appointments as visiting researcher in the Nossal Institute for Global Health in Melbourne, Australia and as principal investigator for the Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes in the Philippines.