Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu Deputy Executive Director for the World Health Organization's Health Emergencies Programme

Dr. Ihekweazu is an epidemiologist, public health physician and the Deputy Executive Director for the World Health Organization's Health Emergencies Programme. As a renowned expert in public health, he has been instrumental in shaping the global response to numerous health crises and is now helping drive the work of WHO in Emergencies. His insights into the complex interplay of health, economics, and society are invaluable in understanding the future of global health.

During his keynote at the Swiss Re Institute Resilience Summit titled "Unveiling the Horizon: Pioneering in Global Life & Health Trends", Dr. Ihekweazu will delve into a range of critical topics, including:

• Emerging Health Threats Including Pandemics: Dr. Ihekweazu will discuss ongoing global health threats, focusing on infectious diseases, exemplified by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. He will delve into not only the global impact, importance of rapid response, and the need for robust international cooperation – but also on the local impact on communities, pulling in insights from his book. "An Imperfect Storm: A Pandemic and the Coming of Age of a Nigerian Institution," has received critical acclaim for its candid and insightful account of Nigeria's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Role of WHO in Global Health Security: Dr. Ihekweazu will discuss the critical role of the World Health Organization in coordinating the global health response to emerging threats. He will highlight WHO's mandate, convening power and efforts in surveillance, outbreak response, and policy development, and the importance of strengthening collaboration across the global health ecosystem to address future challenges.
• The Role of Technology: He will explore how technological advancements are revolutionizing disease surveillance and public health interventions. Dr. Ihekweazu will discuss specifically how data-driven insights are crucial for anticipating and responding to emerging health threats, drawing on his experience setting up and leading the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence.
• The Impact of Climate Change on Health: He will highlight the growing threat of climate change to human health. Dr. Ihekweazu will delve into the complex relationship between pandemics and climate change, exploring how climate change can exacerbate the spread of infectious diseases and how lessons learned from pandemic response can be applied to climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
• Building Resilient Health Systems Through Partnerships: Dr. Ihekweazu will discuss the importance of strong public-private partnerships and philanthropic collaborations in building resilient health systems. He will explore how these partnerships can accelerate innovation, mobilize resources, and ensure equitable access to healthcare. By attending this keynote, the audience will gain a deeper understanding of the global health challenges that lie ahead and the opportunities to build a more resilient and equitable future.