Prof. Kenneth Ngure of the Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control at JKUAT has been elected President of the International AIDS Society (IAS) during the 25th International AIDS Conference, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 26 – 31, 2026.

An award winning-globally renowned HIV prevention scientist, Prof. Ngure’s appointment places Kenya at the forefront of the global HIV response. His leadership comes at a critical time as the world works to end HIV as a public health threat, while addressing emerging challenges in prevention, treatment, stigma, and sustainable financing.

As IAS President, Prof. Ngure will help shape the global HIV research agenda, strengthen collaboration between scientists, policymakers and communities, and advance evidence-based strategies that will benefit Kenya, Africa and the world.

In her congratulatory message to Prof. Ngure following his appointment, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi described the achievement as a proud moment for the University and the country, noting that his election reflects the global impact of Kenyan research and leadership in HIV prevention.

“On behalf of the JKUAT community, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Kenneth Ngure on this remarkable achievement. His election as President of the International AIDS Society is a testament to his distinguished scholarship and commitment to improve global health. We wish him every success as he assumes this important global leadership role.”

Speaking on his appointment, Prof. Ngure reaffirmed his commitment to advance science, equity, and global collaboration in the fight against HIV, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring scientific progress translates into meaningful benefits for communities worldwide.

“Together, we will champion science. We will champion equity. We will invest in the next generation. Together, we will ensure that every breakthrough reaches every person who can benefit from it, “said Prof. Ngure

Prof. Ngure will serve a two-year term as the President of the International AIDS Society, providing strategic leadership to the world’s largest association of HIV professionals as it advances research, innovation, advocacy, and evidence-based policies aimed at ending HIV as a public health threat.