We are very proud to welcome Professor Baron Peter Piot to AREF as our new Co-President. Peter will work alongside Professor Sir Tumani Corrah to raise AREF’s profile and guide our future growth.
Peter is a microbiologist known for his crucial research into Ebola and AIDS. He is former Director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and has held key positions at the World Health Organisation and United Nations.
His work in Africa includes co-discovering the Ebola virus in Zaire in 1976 while working at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp (Belgium), and leading research on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and women’s health in Africa.
Peter says, “I am truly honoured and excited to join AREF as Co-President with my good friend and African science pioneer Professor Sir Tumani Corrah. There are few more important investments for Africa’s future than supporting the next generation of African scientists, and I am pleased that AREF has been a leader in this endeavour.”
Peter was the founding Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1995 until 2008 and was an Associate Director of the Global Programme on AIDS of WHO. Under his leadership, UNAIDS became the chief advocate for worldwide action against AIDS, also spearheading UN reform by bringing together 10 UN system organisations.
He has published over 600 scientific articles and 17 books and received numerous scientific and civic awards, including honorary doctorates from seven universities.
Current President and Founder of AREF, Professor Tumani Corrah, says “I am proud, honoured, and excited to announce that Professor Baron Peter Piot, a Global Health luminary, has joined AREF as Co-President.”
“Peter brings with him a wealth of scientific expertise and unparalleled understanding of the scientific challenges faced by talented emerging African health researchers working in the African continent. He has trained a significant number of African scientists currently holding key positions in Africa and globally.”
“Peter and I will work closely together to ensure African talent are not lost but preserved in Africa to improve the health of Africans through research led by Africans in Africa – welcome onboard Peter.”
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