The Open Society Foundations Appoint New Lead for Public Health Agenda
Director will guide social justice and human rights approaches that protect well-being
NEW YORK—The Open Society Foundations today announced Jonathan Cohen as the next director of its Public Health Program. As of January 1, 2016, Cohen will oversee the Foundations’ health and human rights work, which challenges laws, policies, and prejudices that harm public health, and which particularly affect those people who are socially marginalized.
“With Jonathan Cohen’s direction, the Open Society Foundations will answer entrenched public health problems by promoting justice, public participation, and good governance,” said Chris Stone, president of the Open Society Foundations. “Civil society must press for responsive institutions that protect the health of all citizens. Jonathan stood out in our search as a recognized leader in health and human rights with deep commitment to Open Society values.”
Cohen steps into the role after serving as the deputy director of the Open Society Public Health Program since 2011. He initially joined the Open Society Foundations in 2006 as director of its Law and Health Initiative. Cohen was formerly a co-chair of the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Human Rights, and was as a researcher for Human Rights Watch and the United Nations Children’s Fund. Cohen has published in journals such as The Lancet, The Journal of the International AIDS Society, The Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics, and The International Journal of Drug Policy.
“This is a critical time for health and human rights worldwide. The role of transparency, accountability, and participation of vulnerable communities in public health has never been more urgent or fragile,” said Cohen. “I am privileged to build on Open Society's distinguished legacy in health and rights and help chart the future of this field.”
Launched in 1996 with a focus on physician training and medical protocols, the Public Health Program now supports civil society organizations to improve the societal factors and public policies that affect health in more than 50 countries. It prioritizes the empowerment and inclusion of marginalized communities, including sex workers, people who use drugs, trans and intersex people, Roma, and people with disabilities. It is committed to transparency and accountability in health policy.
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The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. Working with local communities in more than 100 countries, the Open Society Foundations support justice and human rights, freedom of expression, and access to public health and education.