GAPP

Global AIDS Policy Celebrates the Confirmation of Global AIDS Ambassador

Dr. John Nkengasong is a committed scientist & clinician dedicated to equity in public health

The Global AIDS Policy Partnership (GAPP) celebrates the confirmation of Dr. John Nkengasong as Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally. At such a pivotal time — when hard-fought gains in the fight against HIV are threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, a retreating global donor base, and conflict in Ukraine which is home to Europe’s second largest HIV epidemic — having his steady, guiding hand and high-level political leadership is essential.

Dr. Nkengasong is uniquely qualified for the role of Global AIDS Coordinator. His wealth of experience in infectious disease mitigation and control in Africa gives him unrivaled insight into the challenges that President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) faces in reaching those not receiving HIV services. His work at the onset of the HIV pandemic demonstrates his deep understanding of how to prevent and treat HIV, and his recent work to halt the spread of COVID-19 across Africa lends invaluable knowledge to guide the course of PEPFAR in the coming years as the continent contends with these concurrent pandemics.

Additionally, as the U.S. representative to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Dr. Nkengasong is well positioned to negotiate the Administration’s priorities and ensure a successful Seventh Replenishment, which will be hosted by the United States in September. Demonstrating that ending HIV as a global health threat is a priority for the U.S. is a determining factor in our ability to urge other donor countries to increase resources to end HIV by 2030 and meet globally agreed commitments.

The GAPP and its members look forward to the opportunity to work with Dr. Nkengasong and the Office of U.S Global AIDS Coordinator to:

  • Safeguard programming and policies targeting young women and girls. 
  • Dramatically scale up local procurement and distribution of PrEP. 
  • Commit to building strong and sustainable primary health systems that integrate HIV service delivery. 
  • Invest heavily in sub-national, community level programs that build community capacity to prevent new HIV infections. 
  • Commit to reaching key and vulnerable populations and to delivering high-quality, stigma-free HIV prevention, treatment, and support services.