François Venter Professor W.D. François Venter, MD, FCP, PhD, is the Executive Director of Ezintsha at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where he completed most of his clinical and research training. His work focuses on large-scale HIV treatment optimisation, health systems research, and implementation science across sub-Saharan Africa.
He has led multiple landmark clinical trials and operational programmes addressing antiretroviral therapy optimisation—most recently evaluating dolutegravir, tenofovir alafenamide, cabotegravir, and doravirine—and is currently advancing new first- and second-line regimen strategies. His portfolio includes major programmes on linkage-to-care, HIV self-testing, private pharmacy access models, and integrated primary-care platforms for HIV, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidaemia.
Professor Venter has overseen several large PEPFAR-funded HIV programmes in South Africa, working with populations including adolescents, women, men, truck drivers, sex workers, and LGBTI communities. Over the past two decades, he has served as an advisor to the South African government, UNAIDS, WHO, and the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society, contributing extensively to international, regional, and national HIV treatment and prevention guidelines, including WHO guidance on long-acting cabotegravir and obesity.
He has an established interest in medical ethics and human rights and has participated in several legal cases related to HIV within southern Africa. Professor Venter has authored more than 300 publications, including first-author papers in leading international journals.