Kerry Cullinan is a South African science journalist and media professional with more than 15 years’ experience in executive management.
She has managed large public health advocacy campaigns, fundraising and journalist training and is recognised as a published author and editor of three books. She has written for major newspapers and online outlets in South Africa including the Sunday Times and Daily Maverick.
The deputy editor of Geneva-based Health Policy Watch, which reports on leading global health policy challenges and trends, has established a reputation in the field, and is also passionate about wellbeing, social justice and people’s rights to live with dignity.
She graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a Bachelor’s degree (honours) in English Literature, a Masters of Art – MA, Culture, Communication and Media Studies, and a Master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies.
Based in Cape Town, she ran Africa’s first independent non-profit health news agency Health-e News, which was founded during the country’s unfolding HIV crisis. She was also health editor for OpenDemocracy’s Tracking the Backlash Project.
Some of the campaigns Kerry has worked on include the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ international obesity prevention campaign, where she oversaw a substantial paid media campaign in favour of tax on sugary drinks.
Her books highlight HIV/AIDS research, AIDS denialism, and unity and interests of distinct racial or ethnic communities in a democratic South Africa.
Picture: Kerry Cullinan | Twitter