About IPPNW
Founded in 1980 and awarded the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize, the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) is the only global federation of health professionals specifically dedicated to the elimination of nuclear weapons.
Today, IPPNW is a non-partisan federation of national health groups in 56 countries, representing tens of thousands of health workers and concerned citizens who share the common vision of a more peaceful and secure world freed from the threat of nuclear annihilation and armed violence.
Nuclear weapons represent the ultimate threat to global health security. No healthcare system can survive a nuclear war, making primary prevention the only viable solution.
With a duty to prevent what cannot be cured, IPPNW mobilizes the influence of health professionals against the threat of nuclear weapons. As nuclear threats accelerate, our voice is more essential than ever.
About IPPNW-GLO
In 2023, IPPNW created the Swiss independent association, IPPNW-Geneva Liaison Office (IPPNW-GLO), a separate entity of not-for-profit public utility whose unique mission is to strengthen IPPNW’s global network of affiliates in 56 countries and partners in the health community worldwide from its position in Geneva, the “World Capital of Peace and Health”.
IPPNW leverages its Consultative status with ECOSOC at the United Nations and its Official Relations with the World Health Organization to advance its work, benefiting from international credibility to engage the Geneva-based diplomatic community, NGOs, and our health partners in advancing understanding of the Humanitarian Impacts of Nuclear Weapons and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
Staff
Jienna Foster
Director
Jienna Foster brings deep knowledge of the city’s multilateral ecosystem including established relationships with UN agencies, diplomatic missions and other major actors. Jienna has worked across health, climate and humanitarian sectors, with over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, fundraising and advocacy. She has extensive experience developing and managing teams, overseeing large-scale strategic activities, and building sustainable funding streams and partnerships.
Chuck Johnson
Policy Director
Chuck Johnson joined the staff of IPPNW in 2018. He is a policy analyst and political activist, specializing in environmental and nuclear issues. He has extensive fundraising experience, and is a published writer. Chuck was Program Director in IPPNW’s Boston Headquarters until relocating to establish the Geneva Liaison Office in 2023. He served as IPPNW-GLO’s first director until May 2026.
Alexandra Reidon
Administrative & Financial Manager
Alexandra Reidon is the Administrative and Financial Manager for the Geneva office. She focuses on administrative, financial and fundraising activities. Alex brings with her the experience of helping to establish ICAN in Switzerland.
Board
Ruth Mitchell
President
Dr. Ruth Mitchell is a neurosurgeon and cancer researcher based in Sydney, Australia. She joined IPPNW in her first year of medical school in 2004, and has previously served as International Student Representative, Regional Vice President for South East Asia Pacific, and as Deputy Chair of the Board of IPPNW. As a medical student she participated in the Nuclear Weapons Inheritance Project, including dialogues in China, Russia and the United Kingdom.
Ira Helfand
Secretary
Dr. Ira Helfand is a member of the International Steering Group of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapon (ICAN) and is a co-Founder and Past President of Physicians for Social Responsibility, IPPNW’s US affiliate.
Urs Rüegg
Treasurer
Dr. Urs Rüegg is IPPNW Geneva’s treasurer and also serves on IPPNW’s International Council. His assistance with navigating financial and legal matters in Switzerland and his willingness to connect staff with key Swiss allies are invaluable. He lives in Basel with his wife, Ursina.
Read our Latest Annual Report
IPPNW is a non-partisan federation of national medical groups in 56 countries, representing tens of thousands of doctors, medical students, other health workers, and concerned citizens who share the common goal of creating a more peaceful and secure world freed from the threat of nuclear annihilation and armed violence. Our Central office website can be found here: IPPNW.org