Visiting Associate Professor Michael Friedman

Lead, Public Health Response

A/Prof Michael Friedman is a dual-board certified physician in Paediatrics and Internal Medicine, with over 30 years of experience in public health service and leadership across the United States and internationally. He has held various leadership roles, including 25 years as a medical officer with the US Public Health Service, where he worked extensively with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on global health initiatives, epidemic preparedness, and strengthening health systems.

As Lead, Public Health Response at the Asia Centre for Health Security (ACHS), A/Prof Friedman is dedicated to improving health system capacities and response strategies across the Asia-Pacific region. His work focuses on identifying critical gaps in knowledge, refining approaches to public health crises, and ensuring that evidence is communicated in ways that drive meaningful action. By adapting solutions to the specific needs of Asian countries and communities, A/Prof Friedman leads efforts to support policymakers and health leaders in effectively managing public health emergencies and enhancing preparedness for future crises.

  • Strengthening public health systems and decision-making through lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Technical assistance for pandemic control, epidemiology, institutional capacity building, and health policy development
  • Enhancing immunisation programs and health communication systems
  • Advancing medical and public health education, focusing on management and leadership
  • Addressing mental health and non-communicable diseases through public health strategies
  • Collaborating with institutions and the private sector on health services innovations and biotechnology advancements
  • Strengthening public health communications through mass media, social media, and documentary films