Saravanan Thangarajan

Dr. Saravanan Thangarajan is a Harvard-trained global health researcher, clinician, and policy expert with a decade of experience in mental health, maternal care, and climate-resilient healthcare systems. As an Expert Advisory Committee Member for the UK Wellcome Trust on Climate and Health, he plays a pivotal role in shaping global funding priorities to address the intersection of climate change and health equity. His work spans evidence-based policymaking, large-scale telehealth initiatives, and data-driven health interventions. Notably, he spearheaded India’s TELE-MANAS mental health program, benefiting over 250,000 individuals, reducing suicide rates by 1.2%, and establishing a scalable model for tele-mental healthcare in LMICs.

 

Beyond policy and research, Dr. Thangarajan has made a profound impact on medical education and global advocacy, integrating climate science into Vietnam’s medical curriculum in collaboration with the Vietnam Ministry of Health on a World Bank-funded project, influencing 12,000 students and faculty. His leadership in maternal healthcare transformed outcomes for 100,000+ high-risk pregnancies, leading to measurable reductions in maternal and child mortality. Collaborating with WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, he bridges scientific research with real-world impact, pioneering climate-health strategies, disaster preparedness solutions, and social connection initiatives that align with the mission of the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection (GILC). His unwavering commitment to health equity, sustainability, and global well-being continues to drive transformative change worldwide. His work aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection, championing the transformative power of community in fostering healthier societies.