Dr. Jacobs, who is also Special Envoy to the Prime Minister on HIV/AIDS, has served as the representative of Latin America and the Caribbean on the Global Fund Board since last year and has been the Chairperson of the National HIV/AIDS Commission since 2001.

She has also represented Barbados and the Caribbean on the Board of the World Health Organisations (WHO) Global Programme Against AIDS and has also been a member of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board.

Dr. Jacobs has extensive experience in the area of HIV/AIDS, which spans some 18 years of activity in the public sector, private sector and non-governmental community.

During this period, she made a sterling contribution to health care in Barbados and the Caribbean region which was recognised with the conferment of the Barbados Centennial Honour in 2000.

The Global Funds Board is responsible for overall governance of the organisation, including approval of grants. The term of office of the Chair is for the period of two years.