Honoring Ambassador-at-Large John Nkengasong, U.S. Global Aids Coordinator & Special Representative for Health Diplomacy

On Friday, June 17th, 2022, Corporate Council on Africa partnered with the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), U.S Global Leadership Coalition, and Meridian to host a high-level reception to honor and celebrate Ambassador-At-Large John Nkengasong serving as the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Health Diplomacy.Opening remarks were given by Ms. Nidhi Bouri, Senior Director for Development, Global Health, and Humanitarian Response (acting), National Security Council who emphasized on the White House’s focus and commitment towards advancing equity and the fundamental right to a strengthened health system at the community, national, and global levels. Remarks were also made on behalf of the U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris who wished to thank Ambassador-At-Large John Nkengasong for his expertise and commitment to advancing equity for people affected by HIV around the world.Dr. Jeffrey Sturchio, Chairman at Corporate Council on Africa, thanked Ambassador John Nkengasong for his tremendous successes with dealing with “mortality and morbidity” with HIV around the world. Dr. Sturchio stressed on the significance of rethinking on ways to drive progress in this HIV epidemic. He admired PEPFAR’s relentless work through the shared challenges with the governments and Ambassador Nkengasong’s impact with the CDC and PEPFAR over the years. “I cannot think of anybody better suited to meet these challenges than Dr. Nkengasong.” Dr. Sturchio finished his remarks with his appreciation for Dr. Nkengasong’s and having the privilege for working with him during his time at the African CDC.Mr. Puru Trivedi, Vice President of External and Corporate Affairs at Meridian International Centre also congratulated Ambassador Nkengasong on his appointment as U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. Mr. Trivedi also thanked PEPFAR, CCA, BCIU, and U.S Global Leadership Coalition for their involvement with this event.Mr. Peter Tichansky, President and CEO of Business Council for International Understanding acknowledged PEPFAR’s impact had regarding their dealerships with the private sector. Mr. Tichansky congratulated Ambassador Nkengasong and presented his wish to helping him meet his targets.Ambassador-At-Large John Nkengasong thanked all his supporters and sponsors that have supported this event in his honor. “I am humble to stand in front of you as the US Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Health Diplomacy. I started so many years ago with PEPFAR and now I am back in the family and look forward to doing great things with you.”Ambassador Nkengasong promised to keep his word and keep fighting against the aids. This is a critical phase of the pandemic, and he is hoping that it ends by 2030. “You can count on me to promote the right partnerships.”Ambassador Nkengasong proceeded to thank his family. He acknowledged and appreciated former ambassadors who have worked with PEPFAR for their hard work in the past to fight against HIV. He now wants to ensure that more and more people have access to life saving HIV treatments and build community-driven solutions and partnerships.