“Improving and protecting our public health are crucial”

My father started the Clinton Foundation 20 years ago based on principles that have guided his entire life in public service: everyone deserves a chance to succeed, everyone has something to contribute, and we all do better when we work together. Principles that are as true today as ever — particularly when it comes to our shared public health.

In that vein, I was incredibly honored, humbled, and excited to speak with Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a recipient of this year’s Clinton Global Citizen Award.

In our conversation, part of which was shown during the Foundation’s annual benefit, Dr. Corbett and I talk about the years of research and global cooperation that made the COVID-19 vaccines possible; the importance of following the science in the fight against vaccine hesitancy; her journey as a researcher; and, the power of mentorship, allyship, and representation. We also spoke about the importance of her daily practice of gratitude and optimism.

Improving and protecting public health are crucial — even when we’re not in a pandemic. My father recognized this when he founded the Vaccine Research Center during his administration; later, as he established the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), through which more than 21 million people now have access to lifesaving HIV/AIDS medications; and, we recognize it through the work of the Clinton Foundation today.

I hope you’ll watch our conversation. If you do, I have no doubt you will be as inspired and full of optimism as I was while speaking with and learning from Dr. Corbett.

Chelsea Clinton