Maryse’s current research focuses on contributing to health systems that can withstand intersecting and concurrent shocks and stressors, such as epidemics, natural disasters, conflict, climate stressors and economic crises. Special attention goes to health systems’ ability to anticipate and prepare for shocks. This requires insights into situational knowledge, actions, relationships and power of actors in the health system. It also requires insights into trust between health system actors, and between them and actors in related systems. The research includes a variety of actors: communities, health workers, managers, policymakers and other stakeholders – they all have a role to play in enhancing resilience. Maryse’s work includes qualitative and participatory research methods to design, evaluate and learn from resilience strategies, particularly at the community and primary health care levels. The goal is resilient and just health systems that improve health outcomes for all.

Maryse is particularly interested in progress to universal health coverage and improved health equity in resource poor settings, including in Malawi where she is based. She is therefore also involved in broader social science and implementation research in Malawi, to ensure that health interventions are responsive to local needs, solution-based and build on local capacity and priorities.