Foundation Experts Available for 23rd Annual World AIDS Day Interviews and Stories
Posted by
Stephanie Bowen
Washington, D.C.
November 24, 2010
In the fight against the global AIDS pandemic, prevention is key. Many people don’t know that we already have the ability to eliminate HIV and AIDS in one segment of the population: children. We are making great progress in creating the first generation born HIV-free, and are reaching more than half the women globally who need services to prevent HIV transmission to their babies.
As
World AIDS Day approaches and momentum builds to eliminate pediatric HIV and AIDS worldwide, the Foundation has made several experts available to discuss various aspects of this unique angle on the HIV/AIDS pandemic. They include top researchers, hands-on implementers, policy experts, and people living with HIV. Please see a partial list below, and please visit our
Press Room for the most updated Foundation news including comments on the just-released UNAIDS Global Epidemic Report.
Charles Lyons, President and CEO
Location: Washington, D.C.
Area of expertise: Having managed and developed programs for leading global health organizations for more than two decades, Charles has been committed to supporting those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS for decades. He speaks eloquently and passionately about global efforts to eliminate pediatric AIDS, collaboration between NGOs, governments, and UN organizations.
Dr. Nicholas Hellmann, Executive Vice President, Medical and Scientific Affairs
Location: San Francisco, CA
Dr. Laura Guay, Vice President of Research
Location: Washington, D.C.
Area of expertise: Laura has been a leader in pediatric HIV and AIDS research for more than two decades. She spent seven years in Uganda, where she worked on the landmark HIVNET 012 trial that determined the effectiveness of single-dose nevirapine in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Most recently, her research has focused on reducing the rate of HIV transmission in breast-feeding infants and on the testing of an HIV vaccine in infants.
Dr. RJ Simonds, Vice President, Program Innovation and Policy
Location: Washington, D.C.
Area of expertise: RJ oversees the development and execution of new technologies and innovative approaches to optimize program effectiveness, among other responsibilities. Prior to joining the Foundation, RJ spent 20 years as a medical epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its domestic and global AIDS programs, with a special focus on HIV prevention, care, and treatment of children.
Dr. Anja Giphart, Vice President, Program Implementation
Location: Washington, D.C.
Area of expertise: Anja manages the implementation and success of programmatic operations at more than 5,000 sites in the 17 countries where the Foundation works. Having spent the last several years in Tanzania, Anja has in-depth knowledge of the technical requirements in-country – including monitoring and evaluation activities, quality assurance, country support, and technical assistance – to bring about the elimination of pediatric AIDS.
Jake Glaser, Foundation Ambassador
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Area of Expertise: Jake is a passionate advocate for the Foundation. He speaks compellingly about the legacy left by his mother Elizabeth and sister Ariel, whose lives were lost to AIDS
but whose spirit he carries with him every day. Now 26 years old, Jake is part of the first generation of children born with HIV.
Ben Banks, Foundation Ambassador
Location: Ashland, Virginia
Area of expertise: Ben became infected with HIV from a blood transfusion during his battle against a rare form of cancer he had as an infant. Triumphing over cancer and HIV,
Ben is now 32 years old, recently graduated with his Master's Degree in Public Health, and speaks to people around the country on the importance of knowing your status and facing HIV/AIDS with dignity.
Cristina Pena, Foundation Ambassador
Location: Oakland, CA
Area of expertise: Cristina is part of the first generation of children born with HIV.
She is now 25 years old, has graduated from college, and is well on her way to a rewarding career helping young people find meaningful employment. She speaks about the importance of knowing your status and the realities of living with HIV.
Stephanie Bowen is the Foundation’s Director of Media Relations in Washington, D.C. She can be reached by phone at (202) 448-8466 or via e-mail.