The top left of the image shows Haben Girma, a Black woman in her thirties wearing a thoughtful expression. The top right has a stylized letter C, and below that is text: "We know constraints become catalysts for innovation. Understanding how people with different bodies/minds resist isolation is critical. To increase social connection, listen to disabled people. Haben Girma WHO Commissioner on Social Connection. WHO Commission on Social Connection, World Health Organization.”

Haben Appointed Commissioner of the WHO Commission on Social Connection

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I have exciting news to share: the World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed me Commissioner of the new Commission on Social Connection!

The WHO established this new Commission because loneliness and social isolation impact public health around the globe. As someone who struggled with isolation, as a Deafblind woman in a sighted, hearing world, as a guide dog partner who faces public rejection on a regular basis, becoming a Commissioner is a tremendous honor. I feel excited to serve our disability communities, amplifying the challenges and innovative solutions. You can learn more about the new Commission on Social Connection.