NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan scientist Prof. Kenneth Ngure has been appointed to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Technical Advisory Group on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), strengthening Kenya’s representation in shaping global public health policy.
Ngure, a researcher in the Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), was selected through a competitive international recruitment process and officially began his three-year term in June 2026.
His appointment places him among a panel of international experts tasked with providing independent scientific and technical advice to the WHO on strategies to prevent, diagnose and control sexually transmitted infections.
The advisory group supports the global health agency in developing evidence-based policies, treatment guidelines and prevention strategies to help countries strengthen their responses to sexually transmitted infections.
Ngure is widely recognised for his work in HIV prevention, implementation science, sexual and reproductive health and public health policy.
He has led several multicountry research projects aimed at expanding access to evidence-based healthcare interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Beyond his research, Ngure serves as president-elect of the International AIDS Society (IAS), one of the world’s leading organisations focused on HIV science, research and advocacy.
Speaking after his appointment, Ngure described the role as both a personal honour and an opportunity to represent Kenya on the global stage.
“I am deeply honored by this appointment and grateful to the World Health Organization for the opportunity,” he said.
“I look forward to working with colleagues from around the world to ensure that 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.”
The WHO Technical Advisory Group on Sexually Transmitted Infections provides guidance on emerging STI challenges, prevention strategies, treatment recommendations and global policy priorities.
Its recommendations help inform international responses to infections including syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia while supporting countries to strengthen health systems and expand access to quality prevention, testing and treatment services.
Ngure’s appointment is expected to further enhance Kenya’s profile in global health leadership and reflects the country’s growing contribution to HIV research, infectious disease control and evidence-based public health policy.
The appointment also underscores the increasing recognition of Kenyan scientists in international health institutions, where their expertise continues to shape policies aimed at improving health outcomes worldwide.