The global secretariat of the Global Validation Advisory Committee (GVAC) on the validation of elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) or vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B virus (HBV) has considered the appointment of 3 new members to the committee. The new members bring laboratory expertise on HIV, syphilis and hepatitis, expertise on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) data and programmes, and advocacy experience with communities of women living with HIV to the GVAC. With these appointments, the Global Validation Secretariat bolsters the capacity of the GVAC to conduct its mission for assessing whether countries have met the criteria for validation of EMTCT.
- Dr Monique Andersson, Consultant in Clinical Infection, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom. Dr Andersson will bring expertise in laboratory quality and diagnostics.
- Dr Robert McDonald, Global Health Coordinator and Congenital Syphilis Lead, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States of America. Dr McDonald will bring expertise in data analysis and programmes for the prevention and treatment of maternal and congenital syphilis.
- Ms Olena Stryzhak, Director of organization, Positive Women, Ukraine. Ms Stryzhak will bring expertise in advocacy for human rights, gender equality and community engagement.
In order to enhance WHO's management of conflicts of interest, as well as strengthen public trust and transparency in connection with WHO advisory groups involving the provision of technical advice, the names and brief biographies of individuals being considered for assignment to WHO advisory groups are disclosed for public notice and comment.
The comments received by WHO through the public notice and comment process are treated confidentially and their receipt will be acknowledged through a generic email notification to the sender. Comments and perceptions brought to the attention of WHO through this process are an integral component of WHO's conflict of interest assessment policy and are carefully reviewed. WHO reserves the right to discuss information received through this process with the relevant expert with no attribution to the provider of such information. Upon review and assessment of the information received through this process, WHO, in its sole discretion, may take appropriate management action in accordance with its policies.
The list of participating experts, a summary of relevant interests disclosed by such experts, and any appropriate mitigation measures taken by WHO relating to the management of conflicts of interests, will be reported publically in accordance with WHO practice.
The deadline for public comments is 27 June 2023. Please send your comment to [email protected] with subject, "Public comments on new GVAC members."
