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Fernando Morales
Country Director at Columbia University in the City of New York
Professional Background
Dr. Fernando Morales has distinguished himself as a leader in public health, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, through his role as the Country Director for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in Mozambique since 2011. His extensive experience in managing complex health programs and partnerships with international donors underscores his commitment to improving health outcomes in resource-limited settings. With a keen focus on HIV treatment and care, Dr. Morales has been pivotal in administering bilateral agreements with major international organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), across four provinces in Mozambique.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Morales honed his expertise as a Senior HIV Technical Advisor for the U.S. Government. In this capacity, he served as the Adult Treatment and Care Leader for the PEPFAR national AIDS program, working closely with the CDC in Kigali, Rwanda from 2008 to 2011. His leadership extended to managing multiple U.S. Government grants, ensuring effective implementation of CDC initiatives aimed at enhancing clinical services. Dr. Morales played a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Health, driving the integration of clinical services designed to treat and manage HIV in local communities.
In 2010, Dr. Morales served as the Lead Consultant for the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in North Sudan, showcasing his ability to navigate international health challenges on a broad scale. His experience also includes significant work with the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and UNAIDS in Somalia, where he contributed as the Global Fund HIV Technical Advisor. His earlier experience as an HIV Coordinator with Comitato Collaborazione Medica in Somalia further highlights his dedication to combatting HIV across diverse settings.
Dr. Morales’ exemplary service with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), where he worked in various countries including Sierra Leone, Angola, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Kenya from 2000 to 2005, solidified his reputation as a medical humanitarian. His roles spanned from Field Doctor to Medical Coordinator, enabling him to respond to urgent health crises while providing essential medical care to underserved populations.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Morales began his academic journey in medicine at the University of Buenos Aires, where he graduated in 1997. He further specialized in infectious diseases by obtaining his medical degree from Muniz Hospital for Infectious Diseases in 1999. In his pursuit of knowledge and expertise in HIV/AIDS, he studied at the University of the Witwatersrand, enhancing his understanding of complex health issues associated with this global epidemic.
His commitment to continuous learning and professional development has been a driving force throughout his career, allowing him to contribute effectively to public health initiatives worldwide. Dr. Morales’ educational background, combined with his extensive field experience, positions him as a leading expert in HIV/AIDS treatment and implementation strategies.
Achievements
Dr. Fernando Morales' notable achievements include the successful management of international health programs that have reached thousands of individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS. His work has not only improved treatment accessibility but also strengthened healthcare systems in various nations. His leadership in the CDC implementation team for PEPFAR clinical services stands as a testimony to his impact in the field of infectious diseases.
Additionally, Dr. Morales' efforts in partnership with local governments and health ministries throughout his career have led to sustainable health interventions that continue to serve populations long after his direct involvement. His contributions have earned him respect among his peers and recognition as a spearhead in public health initiatives, particularly in regions most affected by the HIV epidemic.
Through his roles across several international health organizations, Dr. Morales has cultivated an extensive network of partnerships, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach to health crises, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing complex public health challenges. Dr. Morales’ approach not only addresses immediate health needs but also fosters long-term capacity building to enhance health systems in affected communities.
