Abstract

What is the role of leadership in global health? In this talk, Professor Anthony Kessel – a leader in global health over the past 20 years – will tell us. Drawing on examples from his leadership work at Public Health England and the World Health Organization, Anthony will discuss what really makes a difference in terms of global health action and outcomes. The answers may not be what you expect!

Our speaker: Professor Anthony Kessel is a public health physician, academic and author. For nearly a decade Anthony led the international health work of the country’s national public health agency as Director of Global Public Health at Public Health England, and as National Director of Public Health Strategy, Director of R&D and Medical Director at the Health Protection Agency. Anthony’s other leadership responsibilities in these roles (2009-2019) included antimicrobial resistance, climate change, professional development, clinical governance, Caldicott Guardian, and – as Responsible Officer – responsibility for the revalidation of 600 medical consultants across the national public health system. Anthony is also an advisor to the WHO on public health. Previously, Anthony was Director of Public Health and Medical Director at Camden Primary Care Trust (2004-2009), and is also a GP. In parallel, Anthony holds a university position as Honorary Professor and Co-ordinator of the International Programme for Ethics, Public Health and Human Rights at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. As well as an active research portfolio, Anthony has over 100 publications in areas of public health, environmental health and the medical humanities, including a sole author book Air, the Environment and Public Health (Cambridge University Press, 2006). Anthony is a Trustee Director of the national charities GambleAware and BookTrust, a Council member of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and advises other charities working in global health and mental health. Anthony has trained as an executive coach, and writes a personal column exploring his leadership work through a lens of psychological wellbeing, ‘Global Health Experience’ (https://medium.com/@AKessel).

** Everyone is welcome!

This event forms part of our 2020 University of Cambridge Global Health lecture series, featuring a range of lectures and panels delving into current issues in global health.

Access information for Sidgwick Hall: Level Access– Ground floor room. Flat access via the internal corridor from Porters’ Lodge. Close to an accessible w/c.

Hearing– An Induction Loop System is in use, switch to the T position. Portable hearing loops are also available from the conference office.

Visual – electric lighting.

Car parking – Free parking on Newnham Walk from 5pm

Other – Seating is padded. Room is close to the library that can be used as a quiet space, please mention to one of the organisers if you would like to be shown there.