
Myanmar (Burma)
Nyein Chan Oo
Nyein Chan Oo, or Jonathan, is a health policy and systems researcher committed to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in low- and middle-income countries. He currently serves as a Research Associate/International Program Officer under the Global Health Program at the National Health Foundation (NHF), Thailand, where he leads initiatives on border health. Jonathan’s passion for health equity was ignited in 2013 when he witnessed severe healthcare disparities in Karenni State. Since then, he has led critical humanitarian health responses and health systems strengthening programs in Kachin, Karen, Northern Shan, and Rakhine States with various local/international organizations. After gaining deeper insight into the need for a cross-border health network while leading an immunization team at the Mutraw-Mae Sariang twin clinic sites in response to the Myanmar coup health crisis, Jonathan played a pivotal role in developing the Thai-Myanmar Border Health Network in 2023. This initiative brought together ethnic and community-based health organizations, I/NGOs, academics, and Thai government officials, harmonizing central and local efforts to improve care access for vulnerable communities. Through the Equity Initiative fellowship Jonathan aims to deepen his understanding of health equity, enhance his advocacy skills, and build collaborations that drive equitable health policies in underserved regions.