Michael Kessler is a global health media relations consultant with over three decades experience working in the field of infectious diseases such as HIV, TB and Hepatitis; drug policy; noncommunicable diseases and pandemic preparedness. Since 2007 he has been the media relations consultant for both the International AIDS Conference and the Harm Reduction International Conference. He currently works for a range of clients which include the Global Commission on Drug Policy, the International AIDS Society, IAVI, NCD Alliance, Vital Strategies, the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness, the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and the WHO DG Special Envoy for Chronic Respiratory Diseases.