PARIS, FRANCE: Dr Vanessa Kerry, a highly esteemed global health expert, medical doctor, and CEO of Seed Global Health, has assumed the role of the World Health Organization's (WHO) first-ever Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health in an effort to reinforce its messaging regarding the intersection of climate change and health.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, expressed satisfaction with the appointment, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Dr. Vanessa Kerry as our Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health. Her extensive experience and dedication to public health make her an invaluable asset in addressing the health consequences of climate change. Together, we will strive for a sustainable and resilient future for all."
Recognized as the most significant health challenge of the 21st century, climate change impacts various aspects of human well-being. Extreme weather events, noncommunicable and infectious diseases, and the resilience of health infrastructure and workforce are all significantly affected.
Dr. Kerry, in her new role, will take on a range of important responsibilities. Firstly, she will focus on amplifying the WHO climate and health messaging. This entails effectively disseminating crucial messages from the WHO that emphasise the significance of addressing the impact of climate change on health. She will target influential individuals, policymakers, and the general public to foster a widespread understanding and a sense of urgency regarding this issue. Secondly, she will engage in high-level advocacy, actively participating in global initiatives to generate a substantial global impact and raise awareness about the intricate relationship between climate change and health. Thirdly, Dr Kerry will support the WHO's work by collaborating with global and regional organisations, national governments, and relevant stakeholders.
This collaboration aims to align with the WHO's expert guidance and promote the adoption and adaptation of their recommendations within local, national, and regional contexts. Additionally, Dr Kerry will provide strategic advice to the director-general and decision-makers, contributing to enhancing the WHO's reputation as a reliable and authoritative source of information and support regarding climate change and health. Lastly, she will focus on mobilising resources, seeking new partners, influential figures, and prominent personalities who can contribute their expertise and resources to amplify the WHO's efforts. By facilitating resource mobilisation, she will further advance the initiatives of the WHO in addressing climate change and its impact on global health.
Dr Kerry expressed her honour in working with the WHO in her new role, emphasising the fundamental threat that the climate crisis poses to global health. She says urgent action is needed to mitigate and adapt to this complex challenge. With climate change already wreaking havoc worldwide and impacting vulnerable populations and healthcare systems, Dr Kerry aims to collaborate with WHO and its partners to raise awareness, develop solutions, and build consensus for action towards a healthier future for everyone on the planet.
The appointment of Dr Kerry is particularly significant given the current global discussions surrounding climate change and health.
The upcoming COP28 Presidency has announced that December 3, 2023, will be dedicated to health, marking the first-ever day dedicated to this topic during the summit. This presents a critical opportunity to emphasise the importance of addressing the impact of climate change on human health. Prioritising health in climate discussions underscores the need for collaboration and coordinated efforts to safeguard the well-being of present and future generations.
Dr Kerry's appointment reaffirms WHO's commitment to prioritising climate change and its effects on global health. Through her leadership, she will contribute to WHO's work in shaping policies, fostering collaborations, and driving transformative action to protect and promote the health of populations in the face of climate challenge.
