University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Professor Kaymarlin Govender has been appointed to the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) of the UNDP/UNFPA/Unicef/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), reports EdnewsAfrica.
The three-year appointment, from 2027 to 2029, recognises Govender’s more than two decades of contribution to behavioural science, health systems, health policy, HIV/Aids, and sexual and reproductive health research.
Govender is research director at UKZN’s Health Economics and HIV/Aids Research Division (HEARD) in the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS). He has worked extensively across sub-Saharan Africa, providing research and technical support to governments, NGOs, multilateral agencies and advocacy organisations.
In his new role, Govender will contribute to reviewing HRP’s scientific and technical work, advise on research priorities and approaches, and assess the quality, relevance and potential impact of the programme’s activities.
The appointment, he said, provides an opportunity to ensure global research agendas remain responsive to the realities of communities in low- and middle-income countries, including those across Africa.
Govender’s work considers not only whether interventions are effective, but whether they are affordable, cost-effective, sustainable and capable of being delivered through existing health systems.
He has previously worked with international health and development partners including UNAids, UNFPA, Unicef, the CDC, the Global Fund and the Wellcome Trust.
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