Irene holds a Master’s in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She worked at the World Health Organization (WHO) as a team leader on strategic and risk communication for the COVID-19 pandemic supporting the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Prior to her return to WHO, Irene worked at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines, where she was the Editor-in-chief of ADB Today, and served as the focal point for the ADB Annual Meeting, and speaking engagements for ADB President at World Economic Forum, G20, and other regional conferences and events. With more than 12 years of experience working at international agencies (WHO/ADB) across a range of communication, donor engagement, and community engagement, she has extensive experience in international affairs working with governments and key stakeholders. Irene co-authored and published a book “50 Years WHO Working for Health in the Lao PDR 1962-2012” while at the World Health Organization.