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).
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 and 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.
UKZN Executive Director: Corporate Relations, Dr Normah Zondo congratulated Govender, saying the appointment reflects the depth and international relevance of scholarship produced at the University.
“We are proud to see Professor Govender’s expertise recognised at this level of the global health research community. His appointment reflects the depth of scholarship being produced at UKZN and the value of research grounded in the realities of African communities and health systems,” said Zondo.
“It also provides a platform for UKZN to contribute to international discussions on research priorities that have direct implications for health policy, health systems and the lives of people across the world.”
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.
Govender says the appointment 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.
“I hope to bring a constructive and context-sensitive perspective to this work, informed by the realities of South Africa and the wider African region,” he said.
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.
“Research priorities must reflect the lived experiences of communities affected by poverty, gender inequality, stigma, violence and limited resources,” he said. “I also hope to strengthen the recognition of evidence produced in low- and middle-income countries, including Africa, where researchers and communities have valuable knowledge and experience to share with the world.”
Govender has previously worked with international health and development partners including UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, the CDC, the Global Fund and the Wellcome Trust.
“We congratulate Professor Govender on this significant international appointment and look forward to the contributions he will make to HRP’s work,” said Zondo. “His appointment brings distinction to UKZN while creating another avenue for our research expertise to contribute to global health priorities.”
Attached is a photograph of Professor Kaymarlin Govender at the World Health Organisation, (WHO) Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
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