Kamiar Alaei

Kamiar Alaei is the Director of the Global Institute for Health and Human Rights and Director of International Academic Program at the University at Albany.

He is an expert on HIV/AIDS, International Health and Human Rights. He and his brother Arash co-founded the first "Triangular Clinic" for three target groups in Iran (drug users, HIV patients, and STD cases) to deal with both the biological and social manifestations of the disease. Their approach was documented by the WHO/EMRO as a "Best Practice Model" for HIV/AIDS management in the region. Dr. Alaei co-authored Iran's National Strategic Plan for the Control of HIV/AIDS 2002-2007.

Dr. Alaei’s extensive experience in both clinical patient care and health policy allows him to focus on the intersections between health and law, while remaining sensitive to the needs and realities of vulnerable target groups. The controversial nature of his work, as well as its collaborative and international scope, led to his persecution and eventual imprisonment in Iran with his brother.