The Advisory Committee of GAHR comprises distinguished professionals and thought leaders from diverse fields, bringing rich experience and strategic guidance to support our mission of promoting human rights, health equity, and social justice. These experts help shape our policies, strengthen program implementation, and ensure ethical, inclusive, and impactful engagement with communities across India and beyond.

Dr Ganga Khadekar

Raman Gangakhedkar (born 1958) is an Indian public health expert and epidemiologist. He served as Head Scientist of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research before retiring on 30 June 2020. He is a recipient of the 2020 Padma Shri award, the fourth highest civilian award in India.

Dr. B.B. Rewari

Public Health Specialist | Former Regional Advisor, WHO-SEARO

Dr. B.B. Rewari is a globally recognized public health expert with over 30 years of experience in HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases. He served the Government of India for 25 years, where he played a critical role in scaling up the National ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) programme, reaching over a million beneficiaries. Later, as Regional Advisor for hepatitis, HIV and STIs at WHO-SEARO, he worked across eleven countries to strengthen national health responses. His leadership contributed significantly to three countries achieving validation for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

Ms. Anjali Gopalan

Founder and Executive Director, the Naz Foundation India Trust

Anjali Gopalan is an iconic social activist and the founder of The Naz Foundation, a pioneering organization for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQIA+ community. She has been instrumental in fighting stigma, improving access to health and care services, and influencing policy change. A powerful voice for decriminalizing homosexuality in India, she is also an advocate for animal welfare and runs the sanctuary ‘All Creatures Great and Small.’ Anjali currently serves on the Animal Welfare Board of India.

Prof. (Dr.) Matin Ahmad Khan

Doctorate in HIV Medicine | Public Health Expert & Researcher

Prof. (Dr.) Matin Ahmad Khan brings 34 years of public health experience, particularly in HIV and tuberculosis. He previously held the position of Joint Director for Care, Support, and Treatment at the Jharkhand State AIDS Control Society. A member of the India Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, he has contributed extensively to evidence-based policymaking and program implementation at state and national levels.

Mr. Rajiv Dua

Public Health Leader | Former CEO, Alliance India

With over 30 years of experience in the public health sector, Mr. Rajiv Dua has worked extensively in the field of HIV/AIDS, focusing on key populations including LGBTQIA+ communities. He has led impactful work across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, South Africa, the Philippines, and Liberia. From 2022–2024, he served as CEO of Alliance India, a Global Fund Primary Recipient. He has also held leadership positions at Population Services International (PSI) in India, Nepal, and the Philippines, managing large-scale HIV/AIDS programs and community mobilization efforts.

Dr. Rashmi Jain

Sociologist | Director, IQAC, University of Rajasthan

Dr. Rashmi Jain is a renowned sociologist and academic leader. She is the former Head of the Sociology Department and currently serves as Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell at the University of Rajasthan. Her contributions include research on migration, education, and gender, and she is the Convener of the Working Group on Law and Migration of the International Sociological Association. She is also a member of ethics committees at Fortis Hospital and Monilek Hospital, and recipient of the prestigious Vivekanand Gaurav Award.

Dr. Joe Thomas

Global Health Leader | Expert in Public Health & Human Rights

Dr. Joe Thomas (MSc, PhD) is an accomplished global expert in public health, rights-based development, and humanitarian response. With over 25 years of international experience, he is known for institution-building, high-level strategic partnerships, and cross-cultural program management. Dr. Thomas has worked with governments, UN agencies, and NGOs across Africa and Asia, focusing on reproductive health, emergency response, and health systems strengthening. He brings strategic foresight and leadership to GAHR’s vision of advancing inclusive and equitable health rights. He serves on multiple NGO boards and has facilitated major bilateral and multilateral collaborations.