John W Ward, MD

Biography

Dr Ward directs the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination of the Task Force for Global Health providing a community of practice for partners in over 90 countries to collaborate, receive technical assistance, and participate in opportunities for operational research. Globally, Dr Ward advises hepatitis elimination activities of national governments, WHO, Africa CDC and other organizations. Dr Ward is a member of WHO Civil Society Commission. Dr Ward convened the first United Nations Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis. Dr Ward co-chairs the AASLD Hepatitis Elimination Task Force. Over a 13 year tenure, Dr Ward directed the CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis, a WHO collaborating center, with responsibilities for research, the first national plan for viral hepatitis prevention, and setting national policies for hepatitis surveillance, vaccination, testing and linkages to care. Over a 14 year period, Dr Ward directed national HIV/AIDS surveillance and research. Dr Ward has authored over 200 scientific publications of viral hepatitis and HIV and served as Editor of the CDC MMWR. Dr Ward is a Professor in the Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta.