Thursday, July 13, 2023
Dr. Vanessa Kerry, advisory board member for the Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health (CISWH), has been appointed the first-ever World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health. In her new role, Dr. Kerry will raise awareness of the global impacts of climate change and advocate for strong policies and partnerships to promote the health of communities affected by global warming.
Dr. Kerry is the co-founder and CEO of Seed Global Health, director of the global Public Policy and Social Change program at Harvard Medical School and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard University. She is a renowned doctor and expert in global health who continues to play a pivotal role in climate and health advocacy.
“We are excited and proud to have Dr. Kerry as an advisor and resource in achieving the Center’s vision to be a global partner in cross-sector collaboration to promote health, health equity, and social justice, ” says Ellie Zambrano, CISWH executive director.
As a practicing critical care physician, Dr. Kerry is committed to furthering the conversation on the link between global health and economic growth, community development and national security.
Utilizing her extensive experience, Dr. Kerry hopes to use this leadership role as a way to shape policies, foster collaborations and drive transformative action to safeguard the health of current and future generations in the face of the climate crisis.