GENEVA, 3 October 2017—UNAIDS warmly congratulates Mariângela Batista Galvão Simão on her appointment as the Assistant Director-General for Drug Access, Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals at the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Mariangela is driven by a steadfast commitment to put people at the centre,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “She is a passionate advocate for human rights and I look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure that no one is left behind in access to medicines.”

Ms Simão has worked for UNAIDS since 2010, serving as the Director of Rights, Gender, Prevention and Community Mobilization. She has been instrumental in developing policies and guidance on the impact of HIV-related stigma and discrimination in health systems, HIV prevention among adolescent girls and young women, human rights and HIV, ending overly broad criminalization of HIV transmission and partnerships with civil society.

UNAIDS would also like to congratulate Bernhard Schwartländer on his appointment as the new Chef de Cabinet at WHO. Mr Schwartländer held a number of positions with UNAIDS, including Director of Evaluation and Strategic Information until 2012.

“These two excellent leaders will bring energy, determination and a focus on delivering results for people everywhere,” said Mr Sidibé. “I am proud of their achievements and wish them well in their new roles.”

WHO is one of UNAIDS’ 11 Cosponsors advancing progress in global health towards ending the AIDS epidemic as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.