斯瓦米纳坦·索米亚

A physician-scientist with 30 years of experience in clinical care, research and policy. A lot of contributions to the diagnosis, management and care of TB and TB/HIV patients through research and translating evidence to policy. Recent achievements are as the first Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization and leading the Science Division during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Selected examples of some high-level recent strategic achievements are:  Led the Covax initiative to provide an end to end solution for COVID vaccines for the developing world  Led the WHO R&D blueprint and its activities throughout the pandemic, including Solidarity trials  Established the WHO Science Council and provided leadership to strengthen the collaboration with the global scientific community  “Living and SMART approach” to make WHO’s normative work agile, high-quality and impactful in countries (a joint initiative of three departments within the Science Division: DHI, RFH and QNS)  Positioned WHO as a normative leader in the space of digital health, leveraging information and communication technologies to strengthen health systems, and improve equity and access to health for all  Initiated and led the mRNA technology transfer programme in 15 countries  Created cross-departmental linkages within WHO for a more coordinated action  Developed models of Science communication I currently serve as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the MSSRF in Chennai and lead the Foundation work in the areas of biotechnology, ecotechnology, fisheries, agrobiodiversity and rural livelihoods. I plan to develop new areas of work in climate and health, tribal health and improving nutrition through attention to food systems.