Prof Thomas Coates, PhD, is a global health researcher specialising in HIV prevention, treatment integration and health policy, with extensive experience across Africa. He has led large-scale, multi-country HIV trials in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, including landmark community-based studies on voluntary counselling and testing and HIV incidence reduction. His work has shaped evidence-based HIV prevention strategies across the region through collaborations with governments, funders and global health institutions.

Lauretta Bruno is President and Owner of Gramercy Partners LLC, where she advises governments, foundations and institutions on emerging markets, governance and country risk, with a strong focus on Africa. She has extensive experience supporting African development and health initiatives through board leadership roles with organisations such as the Pan African Health Foundation, Africare and the National Business Initiative. Her work bridges finance, policy and development to strengthen institutional capacity and sustainable growth across the continent.

Jirair Ratevosian, MD, is a global health policy and systems leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning government, diplomacy, academia and the private sector. He currently serves as Executive Director of Global Policy and Government Affairs at Gilead Sciences, where he leads global partnerships and policy initiatives to expand access to medicines and strengthen health systems. He previously served as Acting Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for Health Equity Policy in the Office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator (PEPFAR) and as Legislative Director to Congresswoman Barbara Lee.