Rod Jackson (epidemiologist)

Rod Jackson is a New Zealand epidemiologist and public health physician known for his research and advocacy in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). He is particularly recognized for his work on risk prediction tools and strategies for primary prevention of CVD, especially in low-resource settings.

Jackson is a Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Auckland. His research has focused on developing and validating CVD risk prediction algorithms, most notably the PREDICT tool, which is widely used in New Zealand and adapted for use in other countries. PREDICT uses routinely collected health data to estimate an individual's 5-year risk of CVD events, enabling targeted interventions for those at highest risk.

A key aspect of Jackson's work is translating research into practical public health interventions and policy recommendations. He has been a strong advocate for population-wide strategies to reduce CVD risk factors, such as tobacco control, healthy eating policies, and increased physical activity. He has also emphasized the importance of addressing inequities in CVD risk, particularly among Māori and Pacific peoples in New Zealand.

Jackson's contributions extend to global health, where he has collaborated with researchers and organizations in low- and middle-income countries to adapt and implement CVD prevention strategies. He has been involved in initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable and effective CVD treatments, such as generic medications.

His work has been published in leading medical journals, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to public health. He is a frequently cited expert on CVD prevention and a prominent voice in advocating for evidence-based policies to improve population health.