Introduction

Susheela R. Balasundaram is a dedicated humanitarian professional with extensive experience in public health and community-based protection, particularly focusing on refugee populations. Her career spans over two decades, showcasing a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities through healthcare, advocacy, and policy implementation.

Dr. Balasundaram's educational background is both comprehensive and impressive. She obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India, in 1994. Her academic excellence was evident early on, as she received numerous awards during her medical studies, including the George Kurian Memorial prize for ranking first in Medicine in her final MBBS examinations. She further enhanced her expertise with a Postgraduate Diploma in Reproductive Medicine from the Academy of Family Physicians Malaysia and Putra University Malaysia in 2001, and a Diploma in Sport Fitness from Putra University Malaysia in the same year. In 2011, she completed a Master of Science in Public Health from the prestigious London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, further solidifying her expertise in public health.

Her professional journey began as a medical officer in the Internal Medicine Department of Kuala Lumpur Hospital from 1996 to 2000. She then transitioned to general practice, working as a Family Medicine practitioner at Ong & Cheong Clinic from 2000 to 2005. This diverse clinical experience provided her with a strong foundation in patient care and medical practice.

In 2006, Dr. Balasundaram's career took a significant turn towards humanitarian work when she joined Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium as a Clinical Medical Doctor. This role marked the beginning of her dedication to serving vulnerable populations in challenging environments.

Since 2007, Dr. Balasundaram has been an integral part of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia. She initially served as an Associate Public Health Officer, where she coordinated health and HIV activities for refugees. Her responsibilities included advocating for improved access to healthcare services, liaising with the Ministry of Health, and providing technical guidance to UNHCR's implementing partners. During her tenure, she initiated several groundbreaking projects, including community-based health education programs and the establishment of the first static primary care clinic for refugees in 2008.

Dr. Balasundaram's expertise has also been called upon in emergency situations. She was deployed as a Senior Public Health Officer to Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, in 2017-2018, and as a Public Health Officer to Uganda in 2014, responding to the South Sudan conflict. These experiences highlight her ability to adapt and contribute effectively in high-pressure humanitarian crises.

In April 2021, Dr. Balasundaram took on the role of Community-Based Protection Officer at UNHCR. In this position, she leads the development and implementation of community-based protection strategies, ensuring the application of participatory, rights-based, and gender-responsive approaches in protection planning and programming. Her work involves building strategic partnerships, supporting compliance with UNHCR's Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) Policy, and contributing to the adaptation of programs based on feedback from persons of concern.

Throughout her career, Dr. Balasundaram has made significant contributions to academic literature in the field of refugee health and public health in humanitarian settings. She has co-authored a book chapter on urban refugees and has published several journal articles on topics ranging from mental health interventions for refugees to HIV treatment outcomes in refugee populations. Her research work demonstrates a commitment to evidence-based practice and policy development in refugee healthcare.

Susheela R. Balasundaram's career exemplifies a dedication to improving the health and well-being of refugee populations through a combination of clinical expertise, public health knowledge, and humanitarian commitment. Her work continues to make a significant impact on refugee health policies and practices, both in Malaysia and in the broader international humanitarian community.

Speaker session