Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha (PhD)
Appointed: September 15, 2020
Dr. Ruth Laibon Masha, PhD
Dr. Ruth Laibon Masha, PhD, is an expert in Public Health with more than 22 years of work experience serving in Government, United Nations and Civil Society Organisations. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer at National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) formerly recognized as the National AIDS Control Council in Kenya since September 2020. In this position, she bears the significant responsibility of overseeing the comprehensive initiatives to address the multifaceted challenges posed by HIV and other related epidemics in Kenya. She plays a vital role in leading multiple stakeholders’ efforts towards policy development, resource mobilization, partnership cultivation, the provision of technical guidance and monitoring and evaluation.
At the global level, Dr Masha extends her leadership influence where she serves as a member of the UNAIDS Global Council on Inequality, AIDS, and Pandemics, and a representative of Kenya on the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board. She is the Chairperson of the HIV Multisectoral Leadership forum of Director Generals of National AIDS Coordinating Agencies from 35 Countries, facilitating international collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of HIV prevention under the umbrella of Global HIV Prevention Coalition. As part of this effort, she hosts multiple countries under the global south to south learning initiative on HIV prevention and engages in live lectures, including with the University of Washington’s “Principles of STI and HIV Research and Public Health Practice Course,.”
Dr. Masha’s career trajectory spans a diverse spectrum, encompassing impactful contributions at both international and regional levels, as well as within the national and grassroots spheres. Prior to her current role, she served as the Advisor for Global HIV Prevention Coalition and Adolescent Health in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in the capacities of Partnership Adviser and Community Mobilisation and Networking Adviser in Kenya, all under the auspices of the United Nations Programme for HIV and AIDS.
Her professional journey also includes pivotal roles at esteemed organizations such as ActionAid International, Engender Health, and Family Health Options Kenya. Dr. Masha earned a doctoral degree in Public Health from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya, complemented by a Master’s degree in the same field.