Organization: Arba Minch University
Region: Africa
Nationality: Ethiopia
Country: Ethiopia
Interests & expertise: Ageing with HIV
Profession or occupation: Researcher
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
My commitment to the HIV field stems from a strong belief in health equity and the right to accessible care for all. I have seen how stigma, gender inequality and limited services affect adolescents and other vulnerable groups. Their resilience inspires me to co-create evidence-based, culturally sensitive solutions. Through research and digital health innovation, I aim to break down barriers and expand HIV prevention and care – ensuring that no one is excluded from the opportunity to live a healthy life.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
As an IAS change maker, my goal is to contribute to building equitable, youth-friendly and gender-responsive HIV service systems – especially in under-resourced settings. I aim to amplify the voices of adolescents and marginalized communities in research, policy and programme design, ensuring that interventions are grounded in lived realities. I also hope to collaborate with global peers to co-develop and scale innovative, evidence-based strategies – particularly digital health solutions – that improve HIV prevention, testing and care. Ultimately, I want to influence practice and policy by generating actionable evidence and advocating for health systems that leave no one behind.