UCL professor to lead new World Health Organisation council

Leading UCL economist Professor Mariana Mazzucato (UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose) will chair a new World Health Organisation (WHO) Council on the Economics of Health for All. The council, announced by Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will focus on the links between investments in health and achieving economic growth that is more sustainable, inclusive and innovation-led. Comprised of top economists and health experts, it aims to mobilise investment in local and global health systems for long-term gain, rather than short-term wins, helping to address inequalities. The goal is healthier populations and economies that are more sustainable and inclusive. Professor Mazzucato said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the consequences of chronic under-investment in health on the global economy and on the lives and livelihoods of billions worldwide, showing that health cannot be separated from the economy and the economy cannot be separated from health. U nprecedented investment is needed to transform our health systems, and the innovation that will drive that, which is fundamental to economic well-being." Dr Tedros and Professor Mazzucato will work together to help place the Health for All agenda at the core of how economic growth is understood - at the local and global level. Professor Mazzucato said: "We are living through multiple crises: economic, climate and health related.