Sumentheran N. Govender is the clinical study manager for the Phase 3 Carraguard® trial. He has coordinated operations of the three South African study sites.

His research interests include HIV and pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, and contraceptive studies. Prior to joining the Council, Govender worked in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine as a project manager for the HIV Prevention Trials Network. He also conducted studies involving pre-eclampsia and menstrual dysfunction among female athletes.

Govender has published articles and given presentations at conferences and workshops around the world. He received both a master's degree and Ph.D. from the Mandela School of Medicine.