/ 2013 / Book (series Only) / Documentary

The Future of Health

  • Photographer
    Warren Zelman, Canada
  • Studio
    Warren Zelman Photography

I travelled to DRC and Ethiopia on a Fellowship with Management Sciences for document their ongoing health programs in Africa. The trip opened my eyes to how healthcare can impact the individual, their family and their community.

The United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) place gender equality, the environment, poverty, and education as the global priorities for our century. A stronger healthcare system is integral to meeting many of the MDGs, yet we face continued challenges in putting healthcare at the forefront of global action. This photo essay documents the progress achieved in healthcare that will motivate further support and awareness of the essential role of healthcare in global development.

My objective is to photograph health projects on each of the seven continents in order to demonstrate healthcare's positive impact on individuals, families, communities, and nations. The final essay will have two very different focuses, in developed countries the focus will be on Quality of healthcare, and in developing nations the focus will be on Access to healthcare.

My focus is to build awareness for healthcare and how it is integral to social, economic, and political progress. In developing nations, healthcare is crucial; when a person receives healthcare access, they are more likely to finish their education, raise healthier children, and strengthen their community. The differences and similarities in which we cure and safeguard our populations must continue to be documented so that we can cooperate globally while celebrating our uniqueness locally.

Above all, this is a positive story, and a story of success, documenting progress and motivating future action. I am committed to furthering healthcare worldwide.

Awards 2008 Lux Award, First Place, Student Portrait
2012 Applied Arts, Three Awards, Pro Bono Series
2012 Hatch Award, Bronze Medal, Advertising
2012 International Photography Awards, Honorable Mention, People
2013 SocialDocumentary.net and Management Sciences for Health, Fellowship in Africa Winner
2013 Prix de la Photographie Paris, Honorable Mention, Future of Health, Documentary
2013 Prix de la Photographie Paris, Honorable Mention, Something to Smile About, Documentary
2013 Photo Life Emerging Photographer, Winner, Documentary
2013 American Aperture Awards AX3, Winner 1st place, Documentary
2013 International Photography Awards, Honorable Mention, Advertising
2013 Peace Is International Photography Competition, Honorary Post, Creative
2014 The Open Portfolio – TerraBella Media, Individual Image Merit Award, Documentary
2014 Applied Arts Magazine, Two Awards, Photojournalism
2014 Communication Arts Magazine, Two Awards, Institutional