Reflecting on her journey, Professor McGready said “I came for 6 months to the Thai–Myanmar border and it’s been more than 30 years, thanks to the incredibly brave Karen and Burmese women.”
Professor McGready works alongside Karen and Burmese communities who have fled violence, human rights abuses and poverty in Myanmar. Despite crossing into Thailand, many migrants continue to face significant barriers in accessing public health services, with pregnant women, newborns, and young children among the most vulnerable.
Through her work she has established a network of community-run clinics delivering essential maternal and child healthcare, infectious disease prevention, and life-saving treatment. These services have supported thousands of women and children, dramatically improving health outcomes across the region.
Her pioneering research on malaria in pregnancy has transformed global medical practice. The World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted her findings as the international standard for combating malaria among pregnant women, contributing to major reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide.
Professor McGready’s recognition as the 2026 ACT Australian of the Year reflects the far-reaching impact of her work on maternal health, malaria treatment and the wellbeing of displaced communities along the Thai–Myanmar border. She will represent the ACT as a finalist in the national Australian of the Year Awards, to be announced in January 2026.