The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr Vanessa Kerry as the WHO Director-General’s Special Envoy for Health Resilience. She will focus on strengthening resilient, integrated and sustainably financed health systems capable of responding to climate change, health emergencies and other global challenges.

Building on her previous role as WHO Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health, Dr Kerry will work with governments, development partners, multilateral institutions, civil society and the private sector to promote stronger health systems and sustainable financing for universal health coverage.

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“This appointment reflects the natural evolution of Dr Kerry’s work with WHO,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Her leadership in elevating climate change as a critical health issue has helped build momentum for stronger and more resilient health systems. 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.”

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Her new role will emphasize climate-resilient health systems, investment in health workers and infrastructure, sustainable country-led financing, and stronger coordination among global health partners. She will also support resource mobilization and provide strategic advice to WHO leadership.

“I am honoured to continue my partnership with WHO in this new capacity,” said Dr Kerry. “Resilience is not a singular program – it’s the foundation a health system needs to function every day, and to hold when the pressure comes, whether that’s the slow strain of a changing climate or the sudden shock of a funding cut or a pandemic.”