September 22, 2021
Statement of Chris Collins, President and CEO, Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, on the intention to nominate Dr. John Nkengasong for U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator
“Dr. John Nkengasong is an outstanding choice to lead the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEFPAR) at this critical time in the program’s history. He established Africa CDC as a highly effective and globally respected scientific and policy institution, and he brings decades of leadership in global health to the role. He is a crucial voice for global health equity at a time when decisive action is needed to shore up HIV services and tackle COVID-19 around the world.
The Biden Administration’s intention to nominate Dr. Nkengasong demonstrates its commitment to a strong and effective PEPFAR program, focused on accelerated progress against the HIV epidemic. Dr. Nkengasong appreciates how PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) work synergistically to scale treatment and prevention services to everyone and support stronger health systems that are prepared to respond to new disease threats.
In particular, Dr. Nkengasong recognizes how an effective response to HIV — and to all pandemics — requires human-rights based services that prioritize marginalized populations and advance gender equity. PEPFAR and the Global Fund reflect that approach.
Friends of the Global Fight thanks Dr. Angeli Achrekar for her excellent service as Acting U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and we look forward to working closely with Dr. Nkengasong to support the program’s continued lifesaving impact and close collaboration with the Global Fund.”