Dr. Ingrid T. Katz is spearheading innovative approaches to HIV care as the new director of the Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH) and chief of evidence and program innovation at the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State. Her visionary work focuses on improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, a mission inspired by her early experiences in South Africa.
Katz’s journey in public health began in 2008 during her first research project at the University of the Witwatersrand. Working with a Soweto hospital in a perinatal HIV research unit, she witnessed the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. At that time, antiretroviral medications were becoming accessible through the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Yet, despite the availability of effective treatment, 20% of individuals diagnosed with AIDS did not initiate therapy. Many did not return for treatment until they were severely ill.
Katz was initially perplexed by this phenomenon. “A system was now available to provide care: why wouldn’t everyone use it?” she recalled. The answer lay not in the treatment itself but in the healthcare system’s inability to meet the diverse needs of patients. This realization propelled her commitment to transform care delivery for those living with HIV.
Over the past 15 years, Katz has collaborated with the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Cape Town to explore alternative care models. Their research indicates that individuals receiving HIV care in community settings, supported by peers, experience better health outcomes. Addressing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS is crucial, as it poses a significant barrier to accessing care within large healthcare systems.
As Katz steps into her new role at YIGH in 2026, she faces the challenge of navigating substantial shifts in global health funding and programmatic support. In a recent interview, she shared her insights on advancing global health during these transformative times.
Katz emphasized the need for innovative strategies to adapt to changing landscapes. “We must be agile in our approaches and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve,” she stated. Her aspirations for YIGH include enhancing partnerships and implementing evidence-based practices that can effectively reach marginalized populations.
Under Katz’s leadership, YIGH aims to foster collaboration across various sectors to address pressing global health challenges. Her experience and dedication to public health position her as a key figure in shaping the future of HIV care and beyond.
As the global health community grapples with evolving challenges, Katz’s work stands as a testament to the importance of tailoring healthcare systems to meet the unique needs of individuals. Her commitment to reducing stigma and improving access to care is essential for advancing health equity worldwide.
