Dr. Rao, an Alliance Trustee since 2010, has been at the forefront of the AIDS response for 14 years, first as the Director of India’s National AIDS Control Organization, and later as regional director of UNAIDS for Asia and the Pacific.
Speaking during a recent visit to India, Ban Ki-moon said: “I am confident that as my Special Envoy, Dr. Rao, will help to achieve an HIV-free generation in the region.”
Speaking about his appointment, Dr Rao said: "I am happy that by appointing me as his Special Envoy on AIDS for this region, the Secretary General has given due recognition to India’s achievement of MDG 6 under the most difficult circumstances."
Mr Ban also thanked Dr. Nafis Sadik (who has also been an Alliance Trustee since 2005) for her outstanding contribution in the Envoy role since 2002.
For more information about Alliance trustees, click here.