WHO appoints Dr Vanessa Kerry as Director-Common Particular Envoy for Local weather Change and Well being

The World Well being Group (WHO) is happy to announce the appointment of Dr Vanessa Kerry because the first-ever Director-Common Particular Envoy for Local weather Change and Well being. Dr Kerry, CEO of Seed International Well being, a famend international well being knowledgeable and medical physician, will play a pivotal function in amplifying WHO’s local weather and well being messaging and undertake high-level advocacy.

“We’re delighted to have Dr Vanessa Kerry be a part of WHO as our Particular Envoy for Local weather Change and Well being. Her intensive expertise and dedication to public well being make her a useful asset in addressing the well being penalties of local weather change. Collectively, we are going to work in the direction of a extra sustainable and resilient future for all,” stated Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-Common, WHO.

Local weather change is rising as the best well being problem of the twenty first century, impacting numerous points of human well-being. Excessive climate occasions, noncommunicable and infectious illnesses, in addition to well being infrastructure and workforce capability, are all being considerably affected.

Dr Kerry will deliver her invaluable experience and management to the forefront in supporting WHO. Because the Director-Common Particular Envoy for Local weather Change and Well being, Dr Kerry will undertake key obligations, together with:

• Amplifying WHO’s local weather and well being messaging, disseminating WHO’s essential messages on the importance of local weather change and well being, concentrating on most people, influential figures, and policymakers to ignite a widespread understanding and sense of urgency;
• Excessive-level advocacy for international impression, supporting WHO’s work and have interaction in international and regional organizations, nationwide governments, according to WHO’s knowledgeable steerage, foster the adoption and adaptation of WHO’s suggestions, whereas contemplating the distinctive contexts of native, nationwide, and regional circumstances;
• Present strategic recommendation to the Director-Common and decisionmakers, strengthening WHO’s place as a trusted and authoritative supply of knowledge and assist, aligning with WHO’s personal steerage;
• She’s going to assume a job in mobilizing sources to advance the work of the WHO, looking for out new companions and influential figures, together with outstanding personalities, recognizing their potential to lend their experience and sources to amplify WHO’s initiatives.

I’m honored to function the WHO Director-Common Particular Envoy for Local weather Change and Well being. The local weather disaster is a well being disaster – it poses a basic menace to international well being, and pressing motion is required to mitigate and adapt in opposition to this advanced problem. Local weather change is already wreaking havoc internationally – from the cholera outbreak in Malawi to heat-related sickness in India – we should spend money on sturdy well being methods now that are resilient in opposition to these impacts. I’ll work with WHO and its companions to drive consciousness, develop options and construct consensus for motion for a more healthy future for everybody on this planet.”

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-Common, WHO

It is a essential yr for the intersection of local weather change and well being, with the COP28 Presidency asserting the first-ever day devoted to well being on the summit on 3 December 2023. This can function a essential alternative to emphasise the profound significance of addressing local weather change in relation to human well being. Recognizing well being on the forefront of local weather discussions reinforces the important function of collaboration and coordinated efforts to safeguard the well-being of present and future generations.

The appointment of Dr Vanessa Kerry because the WHO Director-Common Particular Envoy for Local weather Change and Well being underscores WHO’s dedication to prioritizing local weather change and its impression on international well being. By means of her management, Dr Kerry will contribute to WHO’s work in shaping insurance policies, fostering collaborations, and driving transformative motion to guard and promote the well being of populations within the face of local weather challenges.