A landmark event has taken place in the global public health arena. Andriy Klepikov, Executive Director of the Alliance for Public Health, has been elected President of the International AIDS Society (IAS)—the largest and one of the most influential international organizations uniting professionals working in the field of HIV/AIDS. For the first time in history, this role will be held by a representative of Ukraine and the entire Eastern Europe and Central Asia region.
For the global community, this decision is not only a gesture of support for Ukraine during a challenging time but also recognition of the unique expertise demonstrated by Ukrainian specialists under the extremely difficult conditions of full-scale war. For Ukraine, it stands as a symbol of trust and confirmation that the country’s model of combating the epidemic is among the most effective in the world.
In his statement, Klepikov emphasized the importance of this moment for both the region and the global fight against HIV/AIDS. His original quote reads:
“It is a great honour and responsibility to get elected as President-Elect of International AIDS Society. Being IAS member since 2004, I value every step of this journey. I greatly appreciate the trust, it is a privilege – with important deliverables ahead. I am proud that for the first time a Ukrainian, representative of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, will be at IAS major governance role, bringing strong civil society experience, prioritising communities and key populations, demonstrating resilience of HIV response during the war.”
Klepikov has been a member of IAS since 2004 and for many years has served within its governing structures. His career—focused on supporting key populations, implementing innovative prevention and treatment models, and developing partnerships between governmental and civil society sectors—has gained wide international recognition.
According to IAS procedures, the transition into the presidential role takes place gradually:
- In July 2026, at the AIDS2026 conference, Klepikov will officially assume the position of President-Elect.
- In 2028–2030, he will lead IAS as President—at a critical stage of global efforts as the world approaches the 2030 milestone for ending the epidemic.
Until then, Klepikov will continue his active work in the IAS Governing Council and Executive Board, collaborating with the current leadership—IAS President Beatriz Grinsztejn, President-Elect Kenneth Ngure, and the IAS Secretariat.
Colleagues in Ukraine describe Klepikov’s election as historic and well-deserved. His more than 20 years of work in HIV/AIDS response—including under the conditions of russia’s military aggression—have repeatedly demonstrated that effective programs can function even in the most extreme circumstances.
The International AIDS Society brings together over 12,000 professionals from more than 170 countries. It is a key platform where global policies are shaped, scientific data is exchanged, and strategic priorities in the fight against HIV/AIDS are defined.
The election of a Ukrainian to one of the highest IAS leadership positions means that the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region—one of the most vulnerable in terms of HIV spread—will finally be represented at the global level, and Ukraine’s experience will become part of the international strategy.
Klepikov underscores that his work in IAS will rely on civil society engagement, key populations, and expert communities. His original closing commitment remains unchanged:
“I’m committed to do everything to strengthen IAS, to support achieving its new strategy, to contribute to ending AIDS by 2030.”