Israeli-American Social Entrepreneur Tzameret Fuerst Pioneers HIV Prevention in Africa

Tzameret Fuerst, born on January 19, 1971, is a distinguished Israeli-American social entrepreneur renowned for her significant contributions to public health in sub-Saharan Africa. As the co-founder and former CEO of Circ MedTech, Fuerst spearheaded the development of PrePex, a groundbreaking medical device designed for voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). This innovation has been instrumental in efforts to curb the spread of HIV across the region.

Before her venture into social entrepreneurship, Fuerst amassed over 12 years of experience in strategic marketing and business development in Israel and the United States. In 2003, she transitioned to the non-profit sector, founding several advocacy and social organizations aimed at strengthening the Israeli American community in New York.

Notably, she served as the chairwoman and a founding member of Dor Chadash, a network fostering connections between Israeli and American Jews through cultural, educational, and social events. In 2014, Dor Chadash was integrated into the Israeli American Council (IAC), becoming part of a national movement. Additionally, in 2007, Fuerst collaborated with the 92nd Street Y to establish Israeliness, a program dedicated to helping expatriate children maintain their Jewish and Israeli heritage.

Under Fuerst’s leadership at Circ MedTech, PrePex achieved several significant milestones:

• World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification: PrePex became the first male circumcision device to receive WHO prequalification, a status announced by the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Ambassador Eric P. Goosby.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Clearance: The device obtained FDA clearance, underscoring its safety and efficacy.
• Recognition by Global Health Leaders: Philanthropist Bill Gates referenced PrePex in his Annual Philanthropy Letter, highlighting its potential impact on HIV prevention efforts.
• Pilot Programs and Awards: PrePex was implemented in pilot programs funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the U.S. Government’s PEPFAR initiative in targeted sub-Saharan African countries. It also received the Technology for Health Award from GBCHealth.

In 2013, Fuerst announced the first commercial launch of PrePex in Rwanda, alongside the country’s Minister of Health, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho. The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe, lauded PrePex as a revolutionary tool in accelerating HIV prevention after visiting a safety study site in Nyamata Hospital, Rwanda.

Fuerst’s innovative approach and dedication have significantly advanced public health initiatives, offering scalable solutions to combat HIV transmission in high-prevalence regions.