Leonard Solai, BSc (Med) Hons, MBA

Mr. Solai is responsible for leading IPM’s product access program to ensure the first long-acting HIV prevention product, the dapivirine ring, is available and accessible to women in sub-Saharan Africa. He also leads IPM’s external affairs program in Africa, including communications, advocacy and community engagement activities aimed at preparing countries and communities for the introduction of new HIV and multipurpose prevention technologies for women.

Mr. Solai brings more than 25 years of experience working in the public health sector across multiple African countries. He has cultivated longstanding relationships with a variety of stakeholders working in HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights, including advocates, civil society, media, governments and donors in the southern and eastern African countries most affected by HIV/AIDS. For the past 12 years, he has leveraged these relationships to build a conducive environment for IPM’s microbicide research and currently, for product introduction and access.

Mr Solai holds a bachelor’s of science degree in medicine (Honours) and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Cape Town.