The intention of President Joe Biden to nominate Dr. John N. Nkengasong, a Cameroonian-born individual now holding U.S. citizenship, as Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally at the Department of State has been disclosed.
In his prospective role as Ambassador-at-Large, Dr. Nkengasong will assume responsibility for leading, managing, and overseeing the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
PEPFAR stands as the most substantial commitment ever made by a nation to address a single disease, aiming to prevent numerous HIV infections, save lives, and make strides toward ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
If confirmed, Dr. Nkengasong will make history as the first person of African descent to hold this prestigious position.
Currently serving as the Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dr. Nkengasong brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to this, he served as the Acting Deputy Director of the Center for Global Health at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and earlier, as the Chief of the International Laboratory Branch, Division of Global HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis at the CDC.
Dr. Nkengasong’s extensive professional background includes serving as a board member for the International Vaccine Initiative in New York and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation in Norway.
His impactful contributions have earned him numerous accolades, and he has authored or co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters in professional journals. The nomination of Dr. Nkengasong reflects a significant milestone in recognizing and diversifying leadership in global health initiatives.
