Dr Anna Whelan has a PhD in Public Health from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Australia and has been teaching and researching at the University of New South Wales, School of Public Health and Community Medicine for nearly 15 years .

During this time she has supervised PhD research students and taught courses on public health, health management and leadership, reproductive health, gender and migrant health. She is the author of numerous books, chapters and articles, mainly in academic journals. She is currently a conjoint Associate Professor with the School, and supervises PhD students focusing on sexual and reproductive health in crisis situations.

Dr Whelan has also worked extensively across the region, as adviser to various governments and as a consultant, including with WHO, UNFPA, the World Bank and AusAID. Since taking on the role as Regional Director of IPPF ESEAOR in March 2010, Dr Whelan brings a commitment to advance SRHR in the region, working collaboratively with key partners.