Naveen RAO

Dr Naveen Rao leads the Foundation’s efforts to shape the field of Climate and Health, transforming the world’s health systems to be more equitable, inclusive, and resilient to climate change and improving the ability to predict, detect, and respond to climate-sensitive disease threats. 

Dr Rao previously led the Foundation’s COVID-19 pandemic efforts, including the Global Vaccination Initiative, which increased vaccination uptake in low and middle-income countries, as well as the Foundation’s Pandemic Prevention Initiative, which strengthened global pathogen surveillance and response around the world. 

Dr Rao joined The Rockefeller Foundation after a 25-year career with Merck & Co. Inc., where he most recently led Merck for Mothers, the company’s 10-year, $500 million initiative to reduce maternal mortality around the world.  

Prior to Merck, he was the Associate Director of the Department of Medicine at Beekman-Downtown Hospital and practiced Internal Medicine in New York City for 10 years. 

Dr Rao is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.