Anne Mills, English economist and academic

Dame Anne Jane Mills, born on 26 January 1951, is a pre-eminent British academic and a globally recognised authority in the field of health economics.

As a distinguished figure in public health, she holds the prestigious title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), an honour bestowed upon her for her significant contributions and public service.

Expertise in Health Economics

Dame Anne Mills's expertise lies in health economics, a specialised discipline that applies economic principles and analytical tools to understand and improve health and healthcare systems. Her influential work primarily focuses on the intricate challenges of health financing, policy, and resource allocation within healthcare, particularly in low and middle-income countries. She is widely acclaimed for her profound insights into:

• The effectiveness and impact of international aid on global health initiatives.
• Strategies for strengthening health systems to achieve greater equity and efficiency.
• The complexities of health financing reforms, including issues such as user fees and alternative funding mechanisms.
• The crucial role of economics in shaping public health policy to ensure sustainable and accessible healthcare for all.

Her research and policy recommendations have significantly influenced global health policy, providing practical solutions for improving health outcomes worldwide.

Leadership at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

Since joining the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in 1990, Dame Anne Mills has ascended to pivotal leadership positions, demonstrating her profound commitment to academic excellence and institutional development. She currently serves in the dual, high-level capacities of Deputy Director and Provost. In these roles, she is instrumental in shaping the strategic direction, academic standards, and operational efficiency of LSHTM, a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health.

Additionally, as a Professor of Health Economics and Policy at LSHTM, she plays a vital role in educating and mentoring the next generation of global health leaders. Her academic leadership ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of innovative research and evidence-based policy development in health economics.

Global Influence and Impact

Dame Anne Mills's extensive contributions extend beyond academia. She has provided invaluable counsel to numerous international organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, UNICEF, and the former UK Department for International Development (DFID), now part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Her work consistently bridges the gap between rigorous academic research and actionable policy, making a tangible difference in how health services are financed and delivered globally. Her legacy includes advocating for more equitable and efficient health systems that can withstand complex global challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dame Anne Mills

What is Dame Anne Mills primarily known for?

Dame Anne Mills is primarily known for her leading expertise in health economics, particularly her extensive work on health financing and policy in low and middle-income countries, and her significant contributions to global health policy development.

What does her role as Deputy Director and Provost at LSHTM involve?

As Deputy Director and Provost, Dame Anne Mills holds key strategic and academic leadership roles at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This involves overseeing academic excellence, strategic planning, and the day-to-day operations of this world-renowned public health institution.

What is health economics?

Health economics is a field that applies economic theories and methods to issues of health and healthcare. It examines how scarce resources are allocated within the healthcare system, focusing on efficiency, equity, and the determinants of health outcomes.