Dr. Jirair Ratevosian is a senior global health security and development leader with over 20 years of experience in public service, non-profit, private sector and diplomacy. His extensive expertise in forging partnerships with governments and international organizations, drafting legislation, and developing political coalitions with diverse stakeholders have advanced evidence-based policies for minority communities, increased global health financing, and advanced solution to solve complex global challenges. In 2018, Jirair was selected as a “40 under 40 Health Leader” for his achievements to tackle health disparities in the United States, and was one of 50 LGBTQIA+ experts in U.S. national security and foreign policy recognized by “Out in National Security” in 2021. 

Jirair served as Senior Advisor for Health Equity Policy at U.S. Department of State. Working at the Office of U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Jirair is elevating the advancement of DEIA and equity policy throughout PEPFAR’s programs. In 2022, he served as Ambassador John Nkengasong’s acting Chief of Staff and led the U.S. government effort to host the 7th Replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, Malaria, successfully raising US $15.8 billion. Jirair also served as a national security advisor on COVID-19 and other health security matters to the Biden-Harris campaign and transition team. 

Prior to joining the Biden-Harris Administration, Jirair led an international team to develop access to medicines strategies and partnerships in 127 countries across Africa and Asia. His work included supporting efforts to achieve hepatitis elimination in Pakistan, Egypt and Rwanda; advancing gender equity in Sub-Saharan Africa; and linking people to HIV treatment and prevention services in South Africa.  From 2011-2014, Jirair served as Legislative Director in the House of Representatives, overseeing budget, appropriations, foreign policy and public health portfolios for U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA). His contributions led to the reauthorization of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), signing of landmark foreign aid legislation to support Haiti, and the establishment of the bipartisan Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. 

He has held positions and board appointments with The Global Fund, amfAR, American Public Health Association, Physicians for Human Rights, and Center for Democracies in the Americas. In 2022, he earned a doctoral degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, where he studied factors that influenced the availability and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines. His work has contributed to policy and program development to close vaccine equity gaps and improve response systems for global health and pandemic response in the future. Dr. Ratevosian has contributed to articles appearing in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, The Lancet, New York Times, The Body, and Washington Post.