CHSP’s Kingori elected to serve as chairperson-elect for American Public Health Association’s HIV/AIDS Section

January 17, 2022

Dr. Caroline Kingori, an associate professor and interim associate dean for research within Ohio University’s College of Health Sciences and Professions, has been selected to serve as the Chairperson-Elect for the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) HIV/AIDS Section.

Her one-year term began October 28, 2021, following the APHA’s annual meeting. She will assume the position of HIV/AIDS Section Chair beginning October 2022.

Kingori, who has been an APHA member for more than a decade, has served in numerous leadership roles during her time with the Association. She shared her excitement to be elected by her peers and serve in a new capacity.

“I am happy to be elected by my peers to serve as Chair-Elect for the HIV/AIDS Section of the American Public Health Association. This role is important to me because HIV is my primary research focus,” Kingori said. “I look forward to working with various students, scholars, practitioners who are engaged in HIV/AIDS work.”

Kingori noted that, although she is pleased with the progress that has been made to advance HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts the past 40 years, there is still much work to be done; she’s honored to be able to serve in a role that will enable her to make an impact with her peers and others across the country.

“There is a need to enhance advocacy efforts that address disparities in HIV related stigma and mental health, as well as access to targeted health care services for HIV infected individuals, particularly in rural and underserved communities,” Kingori said. “As part of my new role, one of my core focuses includes engaging with various APHA sections on drafting pertinent policy statements that will help advance the field.”

The APHA’s HIV/AIDS Section promotes and supports the development of high-quality public health research and programs to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS and ensure access to care and supportive services.

According to the APHA’s website, the Section’s key objectives are to:

• Serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of information on HIV/AIDS. 
• Strengthen and support public health policy through the development of resolutions, position papers and policy statements relating to HIV/AIDS issues.
• Support research into the causes, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.  
• Advocate for effective programs to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and disseminate information on effective HIV prevention strategies to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals, families and communities.
• Support HIV prevention training for health care providers and educational materials for consumers.
• Advocate for programs that provide quality health and supportive services for individuals, families and communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Support equal access to health care for all individuals infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Additional information about the American Public Health Association is available online at: www.apha.org.