A CAMEROONIAN-BORN VIROLOGIST HAS BEEN APPOINTED THE FIRST AFRICANPEPFAR DIRECTOR.

A virologist and the director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. John Nkengasong was appointed to supervise the US president's emergency plan for AIDS relief on Tuesday by Joe Biden, president of the United States

Cameroonian-born Dr. Nkengasong is the first African-born person to head the Department of State's program. His appointment is anticipated to enhance HIV suppression efforts, particularly for individuals living with HIV who are at high risk of developing COVID-19-related serious illnesses as well as hospitalizations.

More individuals were reached in 2019 than now, with an 11 percent drop in HIV prevention program and service enrollment and a 12 percent drop in young person enrollment.

According to the 2020 Global Fund Results Report, there has been a 4.5% drop in the number of pregnant women receiving HIV preventive medicines for their babies.

The number of people being tested for HIV has dropped by 22%, which has delayed the commencement of HIV treatment in the majority of countries.

Nkengasong rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as the continental response's coordinating body, working with countries to secure tests, boost laboratory capacity, manage outbreaks and access vaccines. Dr. Nkengasong served as the Director of the African Union Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

PEPFAR is a $7 billion program that is the world's largest single-nation commitment to fighting a single disease.