International jury 2023
Festival menu
WHO is very grateful that acclaimed professionals from the film industry and humanitarian activists have accepted our invitation to participate in the 4th Health for All Film Festival jury.
Along with WHO senior experts, the jury will recommend winners to WHO’s Director-General, who will make the final decision. Alfonso Herrera, Sharon Stone, Sherrie Silver, Ricky Kej, Adelle Onyango, Melissa Flemming, Sophia Kianni, and Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng have accepted to support our experts.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) category
Sharon Stone (USA) - Golden Globe and EMMY Award-winning Actress, Producer, and Activist for Health and Humanitarian Causes
Through her career as an actress which started in the early 1980s, Sharon Stone has won 10 awards from 41 nominations. Among those numerous recognitions, she was for instance rewarded for her roles in Casino, The Practice and Basic Instinct.
Sharon has supported more than 30 causes, charities and foundations dedicated to health issues, peace and social issues. In 2013, she received the Nobel Peace Summit Award for her work for people living with HIV/AIDS. She was introduced to our Health for All Film Festival by our institutional supporter DNDi that she regularly supports, and DNDi won a prize in our first edition with their film about sleeping sickness. Sharon Stone declared in the AARP online media: "I've made humanitarian causes and my children much more my priority than the Hollywood scene, being liked and getting movie parts."
Sharon has supported more than 30 causes, charities and foundations dedicated to health issues, peace and social issues. In 2013, she received the Nobel Peace Summit Award for her work for people living with HIV/AIDS. She was introduced to our Health for All Film Festival by our institutional supporter DNDi that she regularly supports, and DNDi won a prize in our first edition with their film about sleeping sickness. Sharon Stone declared in the AARP online media: "I've made humanitarian causes and my children much more my priority than the Hollywood scene, being liked and getting movie parts."
Adelle Onyango (Kenya) - Founder of Legally Clueless Africa & The Adelle Onyango Initiative
Adelle Onyango has gained international recognition for her efforts to empower African women and youth and has been celebrated as one of Facebook's 2019 Icons of Change; Africa Youth Awards 100 Most Influential Young Africans for 2019; OkayAfrica’s 100 extraordinary African women for 2018; and BBC's 100 inspirational and innovative women in the world for 2017. Adelle has over 13 years experience in the media industry, working as a prime time presenter & producer on two of Kenya’s top media houses.
In 2018 she formed The Adelle Onyango Initiative to advocate against sexual violence and give African women who have survived sexual violence access to free psychosocial interventions. In 2019 she created Legally Clueless Africa, a new media company dedicated to amplifying African stories through its award-winning podcast, video series, tour series. The podcast was the first syndicated podcast in Kenya and is at the forefront of revolutionising media and how Africans are viewed globally.
In 2018 she formed The Adelle Onyango Initiative to advocate against sexual violence and give African women who have survived sexual violence access to free psychosocial interventions. In 2019 she created Legally Clueless Africa, a new media company dedicated to amplifying African stories through its award-winning podcast, video series, tour series. The podcast was the first syndicated podcast in Kenya and is at the forefront of revolutionising media and how Africans are viewed globally.
Dr. Socé Fall (Senegal) - WHO’s Director, Neglected Tropical Diseases
Dr. Socé Fall is a global health leader and infectious diseases epidemiologist. He recently served as Assistant Director-General in charge of WHO’s emergency response. He was formally the Regional Emergency Director in WHO’s African Region (2015–2019), and the WHO Representative in Mali (2012–2015), during which time he had also been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General as Ebola Crisis Manager and Head of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response.
Socé Fall was also in charge of strategic planning for the malaria control programme as well as coordinator for strategic planning of the global Roll Back Malaria partnership. Prior to joining WHO, he held various positions in his native Senegal – He notably led Senegal’s efforts to interrupt dracunculiasis transmission in the 1990s. He was trained as a military physician and has over 30 years’ experience in medical practice and public health. Dr. Socé Fall is the co-author of more than 100 scientific articles and book chapters.
Socé Fall was also in charge of strategic planning for the malaria control programme as well as coordinator for strategic planning of the global Roll Back Malaria partnership. Prior to joining WHO, he held various positions in his native Senegal – He notably led Senegal’s efforts to interrupt dracunculiasis transmission in the 1990s. He was trained as a military physician and has over 30 years’ experience in medical practice and public health. Dr. Socé Fall is the co-author of more than 100 scientific articles and book chapters.
Health Emergencies category
Alfonso Herrera (Mexico) - Actor, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
Alfonso Herrera is best known for his roles in theater, film and television in Pillowman, La Dictadura Perfecta, ¡Qué Viva México!, Sense 8, Ozark and Rebelde. He is also part of the cast of Rebel Moon, a Netflix movie to be released in late 2023.
He has been supporting UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, since 2016. As part of this ambassador role, Alfonso has steadily supported various actions by going to field missions for UNHCR, meeting forcibly displaced populations, and joining awareness-raising and fundraising campaigns.
He has been supporting UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, since 2016. As part of this ambassador role, Alfonso has steadily supported various actions by going to field missions for UNHCR, meeting forcibly displaced populations, and joining awareness-raising and fundraising campaigns.
Ricky Kej (India) - Music Composer, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, UNCCD 'Land Ambassador'
Three times Grammy® Award Winner, US Billboard #1 artist, GQ Hero 2020, Ricky Kej is an internationally renowned Indian Music Composer and Environmentalist. He has performed at prestigious venues in over 30 countries, including the UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva.
Ricky has won over 100 music awards in 20 countries. He serves as United Nations Refugees "Goodwill Ambassador", as “Land Ambassador" for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), UNICEF “Celebrity Supporter” & Ambassador for “Earth Day Network”.
Ricky Kej is a Doctor of Letters and adj. professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (at the Indian Institute of Science).
Ricky has won over 100 music awards in 20 countries. He serves as United Nations Refugees "Goodwill Ambassador", as “Land Ambassador" for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), UNICEF “Celebrity Supporter” & Ambassador for “Earth Day Network”.
Ricky Kej is a Doctor of Letters and adj. professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (at the Indian Institute of Science).
Dr. Sylvie Briand (France) - WHO’s Director, Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention
The department directed by Dr. Sylvie Briand, MD, PhD, MPH, develops global strategies to prevent and control epidemics and pandemics such as COVID-19, monkeypox, Zika, Nipah and several other emerging pathogens with pandemic potential.
Sylvie Briand has been at the fore front of managing acute infectious risks to global health for more than 20 years, including accidental and deliberate events, ensuring the development of global mechanisms and sustainable frameworks to facilitate multi sectoral and multi-partners coordination for epidemics and pandemics.
Sylvie Briand has been at the fore front of managing acute infectious risks to global health for more than 20 years, including accidental and deliberate events, ensuring the development of global mechanisms and sustainable frameworks to facilitate multi sectoral and multi-partners coordination for epidemics and pandemics.
Better Health and Well-being category
Melissa Fleming (USA) - UN Under-Secretary-General, Department of Global Communication
Prior to her appointment in 2019 at the United Nations Headquarters, Melissa Fleming served UNHCR since 2009 as Head of Global Communications and Spokesperson for the High Commissioner. She is a frequent interview guest on international media platforms, and her talks are featured on TED.com. She is author of the book, A Hope More Powerful than the Sea, and host of the award-winning podcast, Awake at Night.
Melissa also served the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as Spokesperson and Head of the Media and Outreach. Prior to IAEA, she headed the Press and Public Information team at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Earlier still, she was Public Affairs Specialist at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Munich, having started her career as a journalist.
Melissa also served the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as Spokesperson and Head of the Media and Outreach. Prior to IAEA, she headed the Press and Public Information team at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Earlier still, she was Public Affairs Specialist at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Munich, having started her career as a journalist.
Sherrie Silver (Rwanda) - Dance Choreographer, Activist and Advocate for Rural Youth
Sherrie Silver, globally recognized Dance Choreographer, is responsible for Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’ and won her the MTV VMA for Best Choreography in 2018. She is “Malaria no More” Ambassador and a Rural Youth Advocate for IFAD.
She also runs a charity called Destiny Rebuilders which provides health insurance to thousands of underprivileged Rwandans, as well as rehabilitation and basic needs such as nutrition and accommodation. She travels the globe choreographing for some of the biggest names in music, including Rihanna, French Montana and Rita Ora. Alongside this, Sherrie has choreographed for many major advertisement campaigns at international level. One of her most recent projects was choreographing for acclaimed animated film, ‘Sing 2' and the' Minion's TUTS’. Sherrie is on a mission to bring African culture to the world and uses every resource possible to uplift her community and other African creatives.
She also runs a charity called Destiny Rebuilders which provides health insurance to thousands of underprivileged Rwandans, as well as rehabilitation and basic needs such as nutrition and accommodation. She travels the globe choreographing for some of the biggest names in music, including Rihanna, French Montana and Rita Ora. Alongside this, Sherrie has choreographed for many major advertisement campaigns at international level. One of her most recent projects was choreographing for acclaimed animated film, ‘Sing 2' and the' Minion's TUTS’. Sherrie is on a mission to bring African culture to the world and uses every resource possible to uplift her community and other African creatives.
Dr. Francesco Branca (Italy) - WHO’s Director, Department of Nutrition and Food Safety
Dr. Francesco Branca has directed WHO’s activities on nutrition since 2008. A period during which WHO’s Nutrition strategy has been developed, including a new nutrition guideline development process and a Comprehensive Implementation Plan on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition with six global targets.
He has been a Scientist at the Italian Food and Nutrition Research Institute and previously a medical staff of a Primary Health Care project in the South of Somalia.
Francesco graduated in Medicine and Surgery and specialized in Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases at the Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma and obtained a Msc in Nutrition and then a PhD at Aberdeen University.
He has been a Scientist at the Italian Food and Nutrition Research Institute and previously a medical staff of a Primary Health Care project in the South of Somalia.
Francesco graduated in Medicine and Surgery and specialized in Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases at the Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma and obtained a Msc in Nutrition and then a PhD at Aberdeen University.
Climate Change and Health category
Sophia Kianni (Iran / USA) - Climate Activist and Founder and Executive Director of Climate Cardinals
Sophia Kianni is an Iranian-American activist studying Science, Technology, & Society at Stanford University. She is the founder and executive director of Climate Cardinals, an international nonprofit with 9,000 volunteers in 40+ countries working to translate climate information into over 100 languages. She is the youngest person to ever serve as a United Nations advisor. She has sat on boards and advisory councils for The New York Times, World Economic Forum, Web Summit, Environmental Media Association, Inkey List, Ashoka, American Lung Association and Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation.
She has been named VICE Media's youngest Human of the Year, a National Geographic Young Explorer, among Business Insider’s Climate Action 30, one of Teen Vogue's 21 under 21, and a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree.
She has been named VICE Media's youngest Human of the Year, a National Geographic Young Explorer, among Business Insider’s Climate Action 30, one of Teen Vogue's 21 under 21, and a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree.
Dr. Naeema Al Gasseer (Egypt) - World Health Organization Representative in Egypt
Bahraini national, Dr. Naeema Al Gasseer the World Health Organization Representative in Egypt & Head of Mission since August 2020 has over thirty years of experience at country, regional and international levels in the areas of the health system, humanitarian, and development to protect health and health security accountably. In her role during COVID19 Pandemic managed to coordinate UN Agencies contributing to Egypt's balanced response in terms of living and livelihood advising on health systems’ response.
Through out of her professional life has been advocating for gender equity and women empowerment in public, private and among civil society. She is one of the founders of International Council for Women’s Health and several other professional associations.
Through out of her professional life has been advocating for gender equity and women empowerment in public, private and among civil society. She is one of the founders of International Council for Women’s Health and several other professional associations.
Dr. Maria Neira (Spain) - WHO’s Assistant Director-General a.i. for Universal Health Coverage and Healthier Populations
Dr. Maria Neira is WHO’s Assistant Director-General for the Division of Healthier Populations. She leads the Organization’s efforts to achieve one billion more people enjoying better health and well-being through interventions relating to the environmental, social, and economic determinants of health (e.g. climate change, tobacco control, chemical safety, road safety, food systems and nutrition, physical activity, air pollution, radiation) through a One Health approach.
Prior to joining WHO, Dr. Maria Neira was Vice-Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs in Spain for three years and President of the Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AESAN). She has worked in Mozambique, Rwanda El Salvador, and Honduras.
A medical doctor by training, specialized in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, she has received multiple awards and merits, including the “Médaille de L'Ordre National du Mérite” by the Republic of France.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights category
Gareth Jones (Ireland) - Sexual and Reproductive Health service and programme, UNAIDS
Gareth Jones is a young sexual and reproductive health service & programme manager with a specific interest in HIV. He currently works as a technical support consultant with UNAIDS, focusing on supporting youth-led interventions as well as adolescent and young key populations programming with co-sponsors. He has previously worked as service manager for HIV and STI testing and prevention, and before that managed a psychosocial support service for people living with HIV. As a service manager he focused on integrating holistic aspects of health into sexual health service delivery for service users most at risk of acquiring HIV and STIs, as well as ensuring there was a focus on pleasure and integrated harm reduction advice.
He holds and MPH in international development from the University of Sheffield and an undergraduate degree in sexual health studies from the University of Central Lancashire.
He holds and MPH in international development from the University of Sheffield and an undergraduate degree in sexual health studies from the University of Central Lancashire.
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng (South Africa) - United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. A medical Doctor for 16 years, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng aka Dr. T, is a globally renowned medical doctor, human rights defender, and a bestselling author of “Dr. T: A Guide to Sexual Health and Pleasure”. She is a broadcaster and host of the TV show "Sex talk with Dr. T" and the podcast "PodSexEd". She has presented two documentaries on the award-winning "The Cure" on Al Jazeera.
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng is the co-chair of the O’Neil-Lancet Commission on racism, structural discrimination and global health, Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University and O’Neil Institute for National and Global Law.
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng is the co-chair of the O’Neil-Lancet Commission on racism, structural discrimination and global health, Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University and O’Neil Institute for National and Global Law.
Dr. Pascale Allotey (Ghana) - WHO’s Director, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)
Professor Pascale Allotey co-chairs the Lancet Commission on Gender and Global Health and is a former Co-Chair of the HRP Gender and Rights Advisory Panel.
She has over three decades of experience as a global public health researcher and has published extensively including on: sexual and reproductive health; harmful traditional practices; gender, sex and disease; migrants and refugees; health systems research; implementation research, and community engagement. Pascale Allotey is a triple-certified nurse, midwife and public health nurse with a multidisciplinary background in clinical health sciences, implementation research, anthropology, and epidemiology. She holds a PhD in Public Health and a MMedSci in Community Health from the University of Western Australia, and a BA in Nursing and Psychology from the University of Ghana, Legon. Prior to joining WHO, Pascale Allotey was Director of the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) in Malaysia.
She has over three decades of experience as a global public health researcher and has published extensively including on: sexual and reproductive health; harmful traditional practices; gender, sex and disease; migrants and refugees; health systems research; implementation research, and community engagement. Pascale Allotey is a triple-certified nurse, midwife and public health nurse with a multidisciplinary background in clinical health sciences, implementation research, anthropology, and epidemiology. She holds a PhD in Public Health and a MMedSci in Community Health from the University of Western Australia, and a BA in Nursing and Psychology from the University of Ghana, Legon. Prior to joining WHO, Pascale Allotey was Director of the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) in Malaysia.
Very Short Film category
James Creswick (United Kingdom) - WHO’s Communication Officer, European Centre for Environment and Health
James Creswick is the communications focal point for environment and health topics based in the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany. He’s been with the WHO for nearly 14 years, working in the fields of environment and health communications, and more recently gained experience in video production.
Petra Hongell (Finland) - WHO’s Communication Officer, European Regional Office
Petra Hongell provides communication support to countries in the network of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, and is part of the team behind the docUNight screenings in Copenhagen. In her previous post with the UN Regional Information Centre UNRIC, she initiated and led the pan-European documentary project UN Cinema/CinéONU’s screenings in the Nordic countries.
Lisa Smyth (Australia) - WHO’s Technical Officer in Cambodia, Coordination and Communication for Health (C4H)
Lisa Smyth is a Communications for Development (C4D) specialist with 15 years of experience managing communications teams in the Pacific, Asia, and Europe. She has worked across a varied portfolio, including crisis communications, behaviour change communications, community engagement, government capacity building, media for development, and science communications.