Recap – From Dreams to Impact: Dr. Firdosi Mehta’s Journey with the World Health Organization

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Published on May 8, 2024

On April 3rd, 2024, Dahdaleh adjunct faculty fellow Dr. Firdosi Mehta shared his remarkable journey in the field of public health across six diverse countries. With a career that spans several continents, Dr. Mehta’s narrative highlighted the pivotal role of compassion, kindness, and empathy in creating effective health interventions. His professional journey started with his medical education in India, followed by a notable service in the Indian Naval Defense Forces and Ministry of Health Sultanate of Oman, before taking on significant roles in international health  at the the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Mehta has been a key figure in numerous global health initiatives, notably contributing to polio eradication efforts and communicable disease control in  countries like Oman, Somalia and Indonesia. He detailed his experiences in Indonesia, particularly the challenges of implementing tuberculosis control programs within a decentralized health system and his contributions in the wake of the devastating 2004 tsunami. In Sri Lanka, as the country representative and chief of mission, Dr. Mehta focused on non-communicable diseases, gender-based violence, mental health and research on chronic kidney disease, navigating the aftermath of a prolonged civil war.

Now in Canada, Dr. Mehta’s commitment to global health continues through his mentoring and teaching roles at York University, where he shares his experiences with aspiring public health professionals. Dr. Mehta’s journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for those aspiring to make a difference and showcasing the essential role of public health professionals in fostering a healthier, more equitable global community.

Watch the seminar presentation below:

Connect with Dr. Firdosi Mehta

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