Prof. Kenneth Ngure, an award-winning researcher from the Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), has been appointed to the World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Advisory Group on Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Prof. Ngure was selected through a competitive international selection process. His appointment on the global advisory body takes effect from June 2026 for a period of three-years.
The appointment places him among a select group of global experts contributing to the development of strategies and policies aimed at strengthening the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
The Technical Advisory Group provides independent, evidence-informed advice to WHO on priorities for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control of sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
The Group brings together leading experts from across the globe to shape evidence-based normative guidance. It also identifies research and policy gaps, advises on emerging innovations in STI prevention and treatment, and supports countries in adopting and scaling up WHO recommendations.
Prof. Ngure’s appointment aligns with WHO’s efforts to accelerate progress against sexually transmitted infections under the Global Health Sector Strategies on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections 2022–2030. The strategy seeks to reduce the global burden of STIs and ultimately eliminate them as a public health concern.
The appointment builds on Prof. Ngure’s extensive experience in public health research, policy and global health leadership. He is the immediate former Dean of the School of Public Health at JKUAT and an internationally recognized researcher in HIV prevention, implementation science, sexual and reproductive health, and public health policy. He has led numerous multicountry research initiatives and serves in several global leadership roles, including as the President-elect of the International AIDS Society (IAS).
JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi congratulated Prof. Ngure on his appointment, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his distinguished contribution to global health research. She noted that the appointment further enhances JKUAT’s growing reputation as a leading centre of excellence in research, innovation and international policy engagement.
“Prof. Ngure’s appointment is a proud moment for JKUAT and a reflection of the quality and global relevance of the research undertaken by our faculty. His expertise will help shape evidence-based policies that improve health outcomes worldwide, while reinforcing our university’s commitment to address pressing global challenges. On behalf of the entire JKUAT community, I congratulate Prof. Ngure on this remarkable achievement and wish him every success in this important role,” said Prof. Ngumi.
Commenting on the appointment, Prof. Ngure said: “I am deeply honoured by this appointment and grateful to the World Health Organization for the opportunity to contribute to strengthening global guidance on STI prevention, diagnosis and treatment. I look forward to working with colleagues from around the world to ensure scientific evidence continues to inform policies that improve health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. I am equally proud to represent JKUAT and Kenya on this important global platform.”