WHO Appoints Dr. Vanessa Kerry as Special Envoy for Health

The World Health Organisation (WHO) appointed Dr. Vanessa Kerry as the WHO Director-General’s Special Envoy for Health Resilience, as announced in a statement by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday. This appointment reflects the evolution of Dr. Kerry’s contributions to WHO, particularly in addressing climate change as a significant health issue.

In her new role, Dr. Kerry will focus on advancing a broader agenda for resilient, integrated, and sustainably-financed health systems that can respond to daily challenges and emerging threats. She will engage with various stakeholders, including governments and civil society, to advocate for stronger health systems and sustainable financing approaches.

Dr. Kerry's responsibilities will include raising awareness about the importance of investing in integrated health systems, supporting resource mobilization, and providing strategic advice to WHO leadership, with a particular emphasis on climate-resilient health systems.