Linked Network Facilitators chatted with representatives from the Steering Committee to learn more about their experiences working in immunisation, what they are most looking forward to from the network, as well as some fun, personal facts about themselves. This spotlight features Ibironke Oyatoye, Health Economics and Financing Specialist, UNICEF.
Welcome to the Linked Immunization Action Network. How do you think participation in the network will help you do your work with UNICEF?
UNICEF’s work in strengthening country systems to deliver equitable deliver equitable, integrated immunization services is deeply grounded in country engagement and informed by ongoing collaboration with governments and partners. Participation in the Linked Immunization Action Network offers an opportunity to further enrich this work by engaging in structured, cross-country learning and peer exchange that complements existing UNICEF platforms and channels.
Through Linked, I see potential to deepen shared understanding around persistent and emerging challenges such as sustainable financing for immunization, equity in coverage, and integration with broader health systems. The platform also facilitates cross-country dialogue on practical implementation strategies, which can reinforce and inform UNICEF’s technical and policy support. Participation in the network provides an avenue to contribute UNICEF’s perspectives while also learning from the diverse experiences of countries and partners, helping to ensure that collective efforts are well aligned and mutually reinforcing.
What aspects of your role in the Steering Committee are you most excited to participate in?
I am particularly keen to help ensure the network remains responsive to the unique needs of middle-income countries, especially around sustainable financing, equity, and integration. I look forward to contributing to strategic learning priorities and promoting alignment across partners to support country-led solutions.
What do you do professionally? If you weren’t working in your field, what would you be doing?
Saving lives, practicing medicine, and engaging in clinical research.
I am a Health Economics and Financing Specialist with UNICEF headquarters in New York Headquarters, where I support the Immunization Financing and Systems Strengthening Team. My role involves leading and advising on health financing strategies related to vaccine delivery, including planning and budgeting for new vaccine introduction, COVID-19 vaccination scale-up, and system-wide immunization investments. Over the past 16 years, I have worked across multiple global health priorities—including immunization, reproductive and maternal health, early childhood development, health financing and health workforce policy—with international experience spanning Africa, the Pacific Islands, and other low- and middle-income countries. I’ve held prior roles with the World Bank, UNFPA, and CHAI, and bring a strong background in economic analysis, strategic health planning, and multisectoral policy development.
If I were not working in global health and development, I would be practicing medicine and engaging in clinical research. I would continue to save lives through direct patient care while contributing to evidence that informs better health outcomes.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my daughter, reading nonfiction books such as biographies, memoirs, and investigative literature, and staying connected with family and friends. These moments help me recharge and keep perspective beyond the demands of professional life.
Dr. Ibironke Oyatoye is a Health Economics and Financing Specialist with UNICEF – New York Headquarters’ Immunization Financing and Systems Strengthening Team. She has led and co-led UNICEF’s health financing and economics initiatives focused on vaccination in Middle-income Countries and COVID-19 vaccination across low- and middle-income countries. This includes costing, coordination and deployment of financial resources, and strengthening health sector planning and budgeting to support new vaccine introduction and vaccination scaleup.
With over 16 years of experience, Dr. Oyatoye brings extensive expertise in health financing, health policy, and health systems strengthening. Her work spans a range of development priorities including immunization, reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health, primary health care, and child development. Prior to joining UNICEF, she worked with UNFPA, the World Bank and Clinton Health Access Initiative. Her professional footprint includes in-country work across Nigeria, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Samoa, Niue, Tokelau and Cook Islands as well as technical support to other low- and middle-income countries under the UNICEF portfolio.
Dr Oyatoye is a licensed Medical Doctor in Nigeria. She also holds a Master of Science in Health Policy, Planning and Financing from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).