For more than 30 years, Dr Richard Brennan AO has been at the forefront of some of the world's most significant humanitarian crises. His unwavering dedication has led him through conflict zones, natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous disease outbreaks, making a profound impact on global health and emergency response efforts.

Most recently, Dr Brennan served as the Regional Emergency Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region in Cairo, leading crucial health responses in some of the world’s most volatile regions.

Advance Global Australians is proud to celebrate and showcase the extraordinary impact Australians are making worldwide through the Global Australian Awards. This year, we recognise Dr Richard Brennan, the 2024 winner of the Global Australian Award for Global Impact, for his outstanding contributions to humanitarian health efforts across the globe.

A Career Dedicated to Emergency Health Response

Dr Brennan is widely recognised for his leadership in managing health emergencies and humanitarian responses. During his extensive tenure at WHO Headquarters, he held pivotal roles, including:

• Director of Emergency Operations
• Ebola Coordination and Response
• Emergency Risk Management and Humanitarian Response

His field experience spans over 40 countries, covering Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, where he has worked tirelessly to mitigate health emergencies and improve humanitarian responses. His overarching vision has been to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from health crises, natural disasters, and conflicts.

As a leader in WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, Dr Brennan has played a vital role in shaping emergency management strategies, guiding initiatives from prevention and preparedness to response and recovery.

A Legacy of Global Humanitarian Leadership

Dr Brennan’s academic and professional journey has shaped his exceptional expertise in global health. He earned his medical degree from the University of Sydney, followed by training in emergency medicine in Australia and a clinical and research fellowship in the United States. His commitment to public health led him to pursue a Master’s in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, where he gained expertise in international health policy and crisis response.

His global health career has taken him beyond WHO, with notable roles including:

• Health Director at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in New York – Over a decade providing technical oversight to global humanitarian health programs.
• Leading post-conflict health system reconstruction in Liberia – Managing large-scale health initiatives with JSI Research and Training.
• Establishing emergency services during the war in Bosnia – Consulting on humanitarian operations in Central Asia.
• Advising US troops on humanitarian action and disaster preparedness – Bringing a strategic health perspective to global conflict zones.
• Serving as a staff specialist in emergency medicine at Westmead Hospital, Sydney – Before embarking on his international career.

Honouring a Career of Dedication and Service

Upon receiving the 2024 Global Australian Award for Global Impact, Dr Brennan reflected on his career and the challenges of modern humanitarian work:

“Given the large number of successful Australians living internationally, it is humbling – and exciting – to be included among such a high-achieving group.”

“After three decades living overseas, it is easy to be considered ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ But it means a great deal that my work has been recognised and that someone has actually taken the time to write a nomination. I appreciate that thoughtfulness tremendously.”

Addressing Today’s Humanitarian Challenges

Dr Brennan highlighted the immense challenges facing global health and humanitarian aid today, particularly in conflict-affected regions:

“Over the past 30-plus years, I have worked in many of the major humanitarian crises worldwide, including conflicts, natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other outbreaks. But today is probably the most challenging period of my professional life. Currently, for the World Health Organization in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, our major priorities are the humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan. But we are also dealing with the enormous needs in other ‘forgotten’ emergencies in Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, as well as multiple disease outbreaks and frequent natural disasters.”

“Needs continue to increase and resources decline, as donors reduce their giving. In this complex context, it is the indefatigable human spirit of the people that we serve that always inspires. Their courage, resourcefulness, resilience, and astonishing ability to ‘give from their poverty’ never ceases to amaze me.”

He also acknowledged the frontline health and humanitarian workers who make sacrifices daily to serve their communities:

“It is also important to acknowledge the frontline health and humanitarian workers who ‘stay and deliver’ to serve their communities under extraordinarily difficult circumstances – often at significant risk to themselves.”

“Whenever discouragement looms, it is always instructive to look to the exceptional example of humanity displayed by communities in the world’s conflict and disaster zones.”

Returning to Australia: A New Chapter

After three decades abroad, Dr Brennan looks forward to returning home:

“I am a deeply proud Australian. Since leaving Australia in 1995, I have lived in the US, West Africa, Europe, and the Middle East – my work and travel have taken me to over 100 countries. It is an extraordinary privilege to have been exposed to so many different cultures, environments, and perspectives.”

“Throughout my career and personal life, the Aussie values of fairness, sincerity, mateship, multiculturalism, and love for sport have served me extremely well. In 2025, I will return home to Sydney after three decades overseas and am greatly looking forward to immersing myself back into the Australian lifestyle that I love.”

A Global Leader with an Australian Heart

Dr Richard Brennan AO’s career is a remarkable testament to the power of humanitarianism, resilience, and global health leadership. His work has transformed lives across the world, from leading emergency responses to rebuilding health systems and mentoring the next generation of global health professionals.

As he prepares to return home to Australia, his legacy continues to inspire those working in humanitarian aid and public health. We celebrate his achievements, his dedication, and his unwavering commitment to global impact.

Nominations for the Global Australian Awards are now open.

If you know any global Australian who is doing awesome things around the world, or you are one of them, you can nominate here.