WHO Appoints Kerry DG Special Envoy for Health Resilience

The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr. Vanessa Kerry as the WHO Director-General’s Special Envoy for Health Resilience.

WHO made this revelation in a statement released Thursday by Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who said the appointment reflects the natural evolution of Dr. Kerry’s work with the WHO.

“His leadership in elevating climate change to a critical health issue has helped build momentum for stronger, more resilient health systems.

“Building on her previous role as the first Special Envoy of the WHO Director-General for Climate Change and Health, Dr. Kerry will help advance a broader agenda focused on building resilient, integrated and sustainably financed health systems capable of responding to daily challenges and emerging threats arising from climate change, health emergencies and other complex global challenges.

Dr. Kerry will engage with governments, development partners, multilateral institutions, civil society and the private sector to support stronger health systems, more sustainable financing approaches, and greater coordination and alignment of partners and resources behind national priorities.

“As Special Envoy for Health Resilience, Dr. Kerry will help advance WHO’s efforts to ensure countries have the financing, partnerships and integrated approaches needed to withstand current and future challenges.”

Dr. Kerry will raise awareness of the importance of investing in integrated health systems and strengthening sustainable financing for universal health coverage, including through national resource mobilization, provide high-level support to global, regional and national decision-makers, support resource mobilization, and offer strategic advice to WHO leadership.

The role will place particular emphasis on climate-resilient health systems, building on his previous role as Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health.

“It will support necessary investments, including in health workers, and sustainable, country-led approaches to health financing, and promote stronger coordination and alignment among global health actors behind national priorities.”