Kevin Osborne becomes first person living with HIV to head International AIDS Society

The Governing Council of the International AIDS Society (IAS) has settled on Kevin Osborne to lead the Society as its Executive Director after over six months of extensive search.

A long-time delegate of the International AIDS Conference and the IAS Conference on HIV Science, Osborn comes to the post as the first Executive Director openly living with HIV, bringing lived experience to the role and deep connections to those most affected by the epidemic.

Mr. Osborne has extensive work experience with the HIV community with a special focus on breaking silos and forging sustainable partnerships. He also forged deeper connections between the HIV and sexual and reproduction health and rights movements at the International Planned Parenthood Federation.

Prior to his appointment, he has also served as the Director of FHI 360’s LINKAGES project, where he worked to provide services for key populations and enhance connections between public and community service providers.

He again demonstrated passion and commitment during South Africa’s AIDS epidemic as the manager of IAS’s HIV programmes and policy work with special focus on evidence-informed advocacy

The following memebers of the IAS have also been elected and confirmed to serve on the IAS Governing Council for the next four years:

Adaora Adimora, United States
Serge Paul Eholié, Côte d’Ivoire
Beatriz Grinsztejn, Brazil
Jennifer Kates, United States
Andriy Klepikov, Ukraine
Keletso Makofane, South Africa
Cristina Mussini, Italy
Nittaya Phanuphak, Thailand

By Bismark Elorm Addo