Organization: University Hassan II of Casablanca
Country: Morocco
Mehdi Karkouri is a Professor of Medicine in the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Morocco. He is also the President of the community-based, grassroots Association de Lutte Contre le Sida (ALCS), responding to HIV and viral hepatitis in Morocco with a presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. ALCS contributes to improving the quality and living conditions of populations most vulnerable to acquiring HIV, with a focus on key populations. ALCS has been at the forefront of the HIV response in Morocco and the region. Since 1988, it has been involved in HIV prevention, care, support and advocacy for the rights of people living with or vulnerable to acquiring HIV.
Mehdi has also served, since August 2022, as the Chair of Coalition PLUS, an international alliance of community-based organizations: he believes that no change can occur without the central involvement of respective communities. He has been a member of the development group of WHO guidelines, including for HIV testing services, pre-exposure prophylaxis and key populations.
Mehdi is the principal investigator and co-researcher for several studies conducted in Morocco and the MENA region. His research interests focus on access to services, especially for key populations, HIV testing and self-testing, and stigma and discrimination.