Jirair Ratevosian, DrPH, MPH, BS

About

Dr. Jirair Ratevosian (he/him) is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale University and holds appointments at the Duke Global Health Institute and the Center for Strategic International Studies. His research explores the progression of HIV policy over time, emphasizing strategies to address gaps and opportunities in prevention and treatment. He is particularly interested in how market-driven incentives can be designed to improve access to innovative health technologies, especially in underserved populations. Additionally, his work examines the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare, with a focus on ensuring its ethical application and effectiveness in strengthening pandemic preparedness and response systems.

With over two decades of experience spanning public service, non-profit work, the private sector, and diplomacy, Dr. Ratevosian has a distinguished track record of advancing global health and human rights initiatives. He has successfully forged partnerships with governments and international organizations, developed bipartisan political coalitions, and spearheaded advocacy efforts that have raised billions of dollars for the global HIV/AIDS response.

Dr. Ratevosian’s efforts have also modernized laws and policies to align with public health evidence and promoted global peace and justice for genocide survivors. From 2021-2023, he served as Acting Chief of Staff and Health Equity Advisor to Ambassador John Nkengasong at the U.S. State Department. Previously, he was the Corporate Social Responsibility Director for Gilead Sciences, Legislative Director to U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (2010-2014), and Deputy Director at amfAR.

In 2023, Dr. Ratevosian launched a historic bid for Congress, driven by his vision of a more equitable, inclusive, and healthy society. He holds a doctoral degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, an M.P.H. from Boston University, and a B.S. from UCLA. His contributions have been featured in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, The Lancet, New York Times, Time, The Body, and Washington Post.

Selected Publications

Ratevosian J, Heisler M, Carpino T, McHale T, Mushekuru J, Beyrer C. Addressing transnational exploitation and armed conflict in the response to mpox. Lancet. 2024 Nov 7:S0140-6736(24)02418-8. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02418-8. PMID: 39522524.

Ratevosian, J, Beyrer, C. (2022). Early implementation review of COVAX: Implications for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and preparedness for the future [Doctoral dissertation, Johns Hopkins University]. Johns Hopkins University Institutional Repository.

Nkengasong J, Ratevosian J. Legal and policy barriers for an effective HIV/AIDS response. Lancet. 2023 Apr 29;401(10386):1405-1407. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00729-8. Epub 2023 Apr 5. PMID: 37030314.

Collins C, Isbell MT, Ratevosian J, Beyrer C, Abdool Karim Q, Maleche A, Sohn AH. Build on HIV investments for future pandemic preparedness. BMJ Glob Health. 2021 Dec;6(12):e007980. doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007980. PMID: 34862183; PMCID: PMC8646965.

Bekker LG, Ratevosian J, Spencer J, Piot P, Beyrer C. Governance for health: the HIV response and general global health. Bull World Health Organ. 2019 Mar 1;97(3):170-170A. doi: 10.2471/BLT.19.230417. PMID: 30992627; PMCID: PMC6453319.

Bekker LG, Alleyne G, Baral S, Cepeda J, Daskalakis D, Dowdy D, Dybul M, Eholie S, Esom K, Garnett G, Grimsrud A, Hakim J, Havlir D, Isbell MT, Johnson L, Kamarulzaman A, Kasaie P, Kazatchkine M, Kilonzo N, Klag M, Klein M, Lewin SR, Luo C, Makofane K, Martin NK, Mayer K, Millett G, Ntusi N, Pace L, Pike C, Piot P, Pozniak A, Quinn TC, Rockstroh J, Ratevosian J, Ryan O, Sippel S, Spire B, Soucat A, Starrs A, Strathdee SA, Thomson N, Vella S, Schechter M, Vickerman P, Weir B, Beyrer C. Advancing global health and strengthening the HIV response in the era of the Sustainable Development Goals: the International AIDS Society-Lancet Commission. Lancet. 2018 Jul 28;392(10144):312-358. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31070-5. Epub 2018 Jul 20. PMID: 30032975; PMCID: PMC6323648.

Cohen J, Lo YR, Caceres CF, Klausner JD; WHO guideline working group. WHO guidelines for HIV/STI prevention and care among MSM and transgender people: implications for policy and practice. Sex Transm Infect. 2013 Nov;89(7):536-8. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051121. PMID: 24123866.

Anderson SW, Soto JA, Lucey BC, Ozonoff A, Jordan JD, Ratevosian J, Ulrich AS, Rathlev NK, Mitchell PM, Rebholz C, Feldman JA, Rhea JT. Abdominal 64-MDCT for suspected appendicitis: the use of oral and IV contrast material versus IV contrast material only. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2009 Nov;193(5):1282-8. doi: 10.2214/AJR.09.2336. PMID: 19843742