Senior World Bank Official To Join International AIDS Vaccine Initiative as Senior Vice President of Public Policy

A senior official at the World Bank has been appointed as senior vice president of public policy at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, according to an IAVI release. Dr. Robert Hecht, who currently serves as manager of the World Bank's central unit for health, nutrition and population, will lead IAVI's efforts to develop and advocate for public policies to speed the development of a preventative AIDS vaccine that -- when available -- will be accessible worldwide. IAVI President and CEO Dr. Seth Berkley said, "We are very pleased to have Rob join us at IAVI. He brings 25 years of experience in international development and global pulbic health to IAVI and will lead our work to tackle key policy issues in developing an AIDS vaccine that will be accessible to all." In addition to working with the World Bank for 20 years, Hecht has served as an associate director for UNAIDS, according to the release. Hecht will join IAVI on May 1 (IAVI release, 2/23).