The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations has announced the appointment of Felicity Young as its new President. Felicity brings three decades of deep experience in global health to the position, particularly HIV, sexual and reproductive health.
Felicity has a deep familiarity with AFAO and its mission, having served as executive director from 1991 to 1995 and more recently as chair of its international advisory committee. In the intervening years, Felicity worked in Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, Cambodia and USA serving in senior advocacy, policy and leadership positions with a range of international research and development organisations.
“It’s an incredible honour to be elected president of AFAO, an organisation that lives and breathes the value of partnership and community,” said Felicity Young, AFAO President. “The future of the HIV epidemic is delicately balanced, both in Australia and in our region. While tremendous work has been done to reduce HIV transmission it is not yet eliminated.
“The COVID pandemic presents extraordinary challenges for everyone involved in public health as well as threatening the livelihoods of the communities most affected by HIV. Despite these challenges, there is much that can be learned from HIV for dealing with COVID, particularly the benefits of collaboration, broad based community partnership and bipartisan political support for public health measures.”
AFAO CEO, Darryl O’Donnell warmly welcomed Felicity Young to the position and paid tribute to outgoing president, Robert Griew. “AFAO is fortunate to have someone of Felicity Young’s calibre and experience as its Chair. Felicity’s unique mix of domestic and international experience will be invaluable as we navigate the uncertainties thrown up by the COVID pandemic,” he said.
“AFAO and its member organisations owe a huge debt of gratitude to Robert Griew. We have leaned heavily on Robert’s insight and vision for the past two years. He has provided wise counsel in turbulent times and we are extremely grateful that he will stay on as a Board member.”
“AFAO also welcomes three well credentialled new directors Peter Black, Jason Ong and Adam Stankevicius, who will provide further depth to our deliberations,” said Mr O’Donnell.
For more information, visit: www.afao.org.au for details.
Image: Felicity Young (supplied)