Photo of Professor Kenneth Ngure Kenyan public health researcher Professor Kenneth Ngure has been elected President of the International AIDS Society (IAS), placing an African scientist at the forefront of the global HIV response at a time when the fight against the epidemic increasingly depends on stronger research, prevention and community-led approaches.
Ngure, a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), was elected during the 25th International AIDS Conference, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 26–31 July 2026. His election represents a significant recognition of Africa’s growing influence in shaping international HIV research and policy.
As President of the IAS, Ngure will lead an organisation that brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocates and communities working across different aspects of the HIV response.
His appointment comes after a career focused on tackling some of the challenges that continue to drive HIV transmission, particularly among populations disproportionately affected by the epidemic.
A leading researcher and academic in Kenya, Ngure has built his scientific work around HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health, contributing to research examining both biomedical and behavioural approaches to HIV prevention.
His work has also placed emphasis on ensuring that communities affected by HIV are not simply subjects of research but active participants in shaping the questions, interventions and policies intended to address their health needs.
That approach has helped strengthen the role of African research in global HIV science, while demonstrating how evidence generated in African settings can contribute to broader international understanding of the epidemic.
Ngure’s election also highlights the changing geography of global health leadership. For decades, much of the agenda-setting in international health research was concentrated outside the continent, despite Africa carrying a significant share of the global HIV burden. The growing number of African scientists leading major international institutions is increasingly shifting that dynamic.
Through his new role, Ngure will have an opportunity to bring perspectives from African research and public health systems into global discussions on HIV prevention, treatment, research and health equity.
The African Academy of Sciences said his election demonstrates the calibre and international influence of African scientists and reflects the importance of African-led research in addressing global health challenges.
For the continent, his appointment provides another example of African scientific expertise moving beyond local and regional institutions to positions capable of influencing international research priorities and policy.
The AAS described Ngure's career as an example of scientific leadership centred on evidence, collaboration and equitable health outcomes.
Ngure's tenure at the IAS is expected to place continued emphasis on collaboration among scientists, communities, policymakers and healthcare practitioners while strengthening evidence-based approaches to HIV prevention and control.
Article by Jed Mwangi
Photo courtesy :Proff Kenneth Ngure
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