What we do
At Antara International, we're not just addressing maternal and child mortality and malnutrition; we're redefining the way we approach global health. Our expertise lies in developing innovative public health solutions that tackle these interconnected challenges with rigor and compassion.
We envision a world where every mother and child has access to the resources they need to thrive. Our work is grounded in the belief that health is a fundamental human right, and that by investing in it, we're building a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Why Maternal and Child Health Matters Now
2.8 million mothers and newborns die each year from preventable causes.
$1 invested in maternal and child health yields a $16 return in economic benefits.
45% of child deaths are linked to malnutrition, which is preventable with proven, simple solutions.
OUR VISION
Every mother and every child have an equal start to a healthy life.
OUR MISSION
We strive to support The Antara Foundation in scaling public health innovations, creating lasting impact and equity in health outcomes for mothers and children in underserved communities.
Our Approach
Strengthening Health Systems
Optimizing their potential and adapting to local needs.
Empowering Communities
Providing tools and information to help prioritize their health.
Creating Integrated Systems
Facilitating collaboration between communities and health systems for better outcomes.
About the team
Addressing the challenges of maternal and child health requires an exceptional team. We are proud to have some of the most innovative and dedicated leaders guiding our organization.
We started with a small team bringing their sector and field expertise to our mission in 2014, now expanded to a community of 150+ subject matter experts, strategists, program fellows and community leaders, program fellows and community leaders in India - supporting health systems strengthening and community empowerment across 57,000 villages in India.
Ashok Alexander
Founder- Director, TAF
Ashok is the heart and soul of Antara Foundation. He led Avahan with The Gates Foundation, the world’s largest private HIV prevention program. Prior to Ashok’s 10 years at The Gates Foundation, he was a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Co.
He was Menschel Senior Fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Shannon Paz
CEO, Antara International
Shannon has built her career in the global nonprofit sector focused on fundraising, multi-faceted partnerships, and awareness-raising campaigns. Shannon has worked for mothers2mothers, a South Africa-based NGO that employs women as community health workers to enable access to vital health services for women, families, and communities across sub-Saharan Africa, and the International Rescue Committee, a global humanitarian aid organization operating in 50+ countries and 28 cities across the United States. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from Fordham University in New York.
