Ludwig Apers

Ludwig Apers is a Clinical Professor and Unit Head at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), specializing in HIV/STI clinical care and tropical medicine. He obtained his medical degree from Ghent University (1987), followed by master's degrees in school hygiene (during early medical practice), tropical medicine (ITM 1990), and public health (ITM post-Zimbabwe service). His career includes roles as District Medical Officer in Zimbabwe (1990-1993), deputy provincial director for infectious disease control (1993-2002), and has been active at ITM since 2002.

Research focuses on tuberculosis/HIV co-infection in low-income settings, with a PhD (2008) on 'Aspects of TB control in low income countries with high HIV prevalence.' Current projects include primary healthcare reforms in Benin and chemsex-related HIV risks in Belgium. He teaches public health and tropical medicine, supervises students at all levels, and leads clinical operations in the HIV/STI clinic.

• Active research collaborations include Ethiopia and sub-Saharan Africa
• Lead investigator for the Benin primary healthcare project (2018-present)
• Over 60 peer-reviewed publications since 1999

Labs/teams: Directs clinical operations in ITM's HIV/STI unit and collaborates with global health networks.