Digital Health Expert

Jelena Malinina is an accomplished policy expert with extensive experience in digital health, health data management, and public administration. Currently serving as Data Director at EURORDIS, Jelena plays a crucial role in shaping health policy for the rare disease community across Europe. She leads strategic initiatives in health data management, working closely with advocacy teams to develop and implement responses to EU health and digital policies. Her expertise in analysing the impact of these policies on rare disease communities and her leadership in cross-cutting health data projects have been instrumental in advancing patient-centered care.
At EURORDIS, Jelena also takes the lead in representing the organisation at high-profile EU conferences and working groups, ensuring that the priorities of rare disease patients are well-represented in key policy discussions. Her work includes overseeing data-centric projects, providing grant reports, and supporting operational teams in capacity building. She has significantly contributed to enhancing the understanding of patient data sharing and protection, which is critical in the evolving landscape of digital health.
Before her current role, Jelena worked as a Consultant at the World Health Organisation (WHO), where she supported national digital health assessments and provided feedback to Member States on best practices for designing digital health systems and services. Her responsibilities included analysing national digital health strategies, policies, and legislation to make design recommendations aligned with the European Roadmap for Digitalisation of Health Systems. One of her key contributions was participating in a telemedicine project in Georgia, launched in collaboration with the EU, UNFPA, UNICEF, and UNOPS. This initiative, aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, equipped healthcare facilities with essential telemedicine tools, significantly improving access to care in rural areas.
Jelena’s diverse experience also includes her tenure at the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) as a Digital Health Policy Officer, where she developed and implemented the organization’s positions on digital health, artificial intelligence in health, and medical devices. She represented BEUC in various EU forums, such as the European Commission’s eHealth stakeholder group and the European Medicines Agency Patient and Consumer Working Party. Her work ensured that consumer issues were prominently addressed in discussions on health policy, solidifying her reputation as a strong advocate for patient rights and safety.
Earlier in her career, Jelena worked with the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA), where she monitored and analyzed EU policies affecting respiratory health. She developed and implemented advocacy strategies and managed the organisation’s membership network, fostering strong relationships and coordinating joint initiatives that strengthened collective advocacy efforts.
J
elena’s academic background, which includes a Master’s in European Studies from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and various certifications in artificial intelligence and medicines research, complements her professional expertise. Fluent in English, Russian, Lithuanian, and intermediate French, she is well-equipped to engage with diverse stakeholders across the European health policy landscape.

With a strong foundation in strategic planning, policy analysis, and project management, Jelena Malinina is a valuable asset for organisations seeking to influence health policy, advance digital transformation, and advocate for patient rights within the EU and beyond