Nelzair Vianna

Biography and Expertise of Nelzair Vianna

Dr. Nelzair Vianna has established herself as a leading voice in the field of planetary health in Brazil and beyond. Her research provides a powerful lens through which to understand the complex, interwoven relationships between environmental degradation and human health outcomes. As a Public Health Researcher at Fiocruz, she investigates pressing global challenges at a local level, developing evidence-based strategies to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of climate change and pollution.

Her work directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Planetary Health, One Health, and Well-being Societies.” Dr. Vianna’s focus on the health co-benefits of climate action, the importance of urban green spaces, and sustainable food systems demonstrates a holistic approach that is essential for planetary health. Consequently, her research in Salvador, Brazil, serves as a compelling case study for South-South collaboration, offering scalable models for other cities in the Global South facing similar environmental pressures.

Furthermore, the contributions of Nelzair Vianna are grounded in the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, emphasizing scientific rigor and the use of evidence to inform public policy. By implementing projects that monitor air quality and promote sustainable urban environments, she translates high-level scientific concepts into practical interventions that improve lives. This pragmatic and impactful approach makes her an invaluable contributor to the congress’s goal of strengthening global public health through diverse knowledge systems.

Professional Career and Key Projects

Dr. Nelzair Vianna’s career is marked by leadership in interdisciplinary research, bridging academia, public policy, and community action. This collaborative approach allows her to address complex urban health challenges, ensuring her work is both scientifically robust and socially relevant.

Her roles require scientific expertise and strong management skills, leading local initiatives and international collaborations to build a healthier, sustainable future. Key engagements include:

• Principal Investigator (PI): Leads Planetary Health Initiatives, pioneering air quality monitoring in vulnerable urban areas and developing curricula for medical education.
• Principal Investigator (PI): Led the Soprar Salvador Project, a local initiative mitigating environmental health risks in Salvador, Bahia.
• Co-founder: Established the Forum de Energia e Clima, promoting dialogue on energy and climate issues across Portuguese-speaking countries.
• Local Leader: Key role in intersectoral projects on climate action co-benefits, translating global goals into local health improvements.
• Collaborator: Contributed to the “Sustainable and Healthy Food Environment for Children” project, focusing on school meals for better nutrition.
• Collaborator: Participated in the “CUSSH” and “SHUE” international projects, redesigning urban spaces for better health.
• Collaborator: Engaged in “The Use of Expertise in Public Policy in Brazil” project, analyzing how evidence shapes policy.
• Collaborator: Member of the “PHASE Consortium,” a group advancing research and action in planetary health.

Academic Qualifications of Nelzair Vianna

The academic foundation of Dr. Nelzair Vianna is remarkably interdisciplinary, providing her with a unique skill set to tackle the multifaceted challenges of planetary health. Her education spans from the foundational sciences of pharmacy and biochemistry to the complex systems thinking required in public health and environmental science. This diverse training enables her to connect molecular-level impacts of pollution with broad-scale public health policies and hospital management strategies.

This comprehensive academic background has been instrumental in her ability to design and execute research that is both innovative and practical. It allows her to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, from clinical practitioners to urban planners and policymakers. Her qualifications include:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sciences: Earned from the prestigious Medical School of the University of São Paulo (USP), where her doctoral research deepened her expertise in health sciences.
– Master in Medicine and Health: Obtained from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), providing a strong clinical and public health perspective. – Specialization in Air Pollution and Human Health: Completed at the University of São Paulo (USP), giving her specialized technical knowledge on the mechanisms and impacts of air contaminants. – Specialization in Management and Hospital Quality: Acquired from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), equipping her with skills in health systems administration and quality improvement. – Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy and Biochemistry: Her foundational degree, providing a robust understanding of chemical and biological processes essential for environmental health research.

Research Focus and Impact

The research agenda of Dr. Nelzair Vianna is focused on generating actionable evidence to address the health impacts of environmental change. As a Principal Investigator, she is at the forefront of developing and implementing projects that directly benefit communities. Her current initiative to establish air quality monitoring systems in vulnerable neighborhoods is a prime example of community-engaged research. This work not only gathers critical data but also empowers residents and informs local policy aimed at reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.

Another pivotal area of her work is the integration of planetary health into medical education. By creating and advocating for new curricula, she is helping to train the next generation of healthcare professionals to recognize and address the environmental determinants of health. This educational focus is crucial for building a health workforce capable of responding to the challenges of the 21st century, a key goal of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034. Her efforts ensure that planetary health principles are embedded in clinical practice.

Dr. Vianna’s role as a collaborator in numerous national and international projects further amplifies her impact. Her contributions to consortia like CUSSH and SHUE have helped advance global understanding of how urban design can foster health and sustainability. The research of Nelzair Vianna consistently bridges the gap between science and society, making her a vital contributor to public health discourse.

Collaborative Leadership and Advocacy

Beyond her direct research projects, Dr. Nelzair Vianna actively engages in leadership and advocacy through her involvement in strategic collaborative bodies. A standout example of this is her role as a co-founder of the Forum de Energia e Clima. This organization serves as a critical platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and joint action among Portuguese-speaking countries (Lusophone nations) on the interconnected issues of energy transition and climate change.

Her leadership in establishing this forum highlights her commitment to fostering international cooperation, particularly through South-South partnerships. The forum facilitates the sharing of best practices, scientific findings, and policy solutions tailored to the unique contexts of its member countries in Africa, Europe, and South America. Therefore, this initiative directly supports the 3rd WCTCIM’s emphasis on global collaboration and the sharing of diverse knowledge systems.

This role demonstrates that the influence of Nelzair Vianna extends beyond academic publications. By building networks and fostering dialogue, she helps shape the regional and international agenda on climate action and public health. Her work within the Forum de Energia e Clima is instrumental in translating scientific knowledge into coordinated, cross-national strategies for a sustainable and healthy future.

Connect with Dr. Vianna

For more detailed information on the research, publications, and professional activities of Dr. Nelzair Vianna, you can explore her official academic and institutional profiles. These platforms provide a comprehensive overview of her contributions to public health and planetary science, offering access to her published work and ongoing projects.

Fiocruz Institutional Profile: View Fiocruz Profile

Lattes Curriculum (Brazilian Academic Platform): View Lattes CV