Organization: Ghana Health Service
Region: Africa
Nationality: Ghana
Country: Uganda
Interests & expertise: Co-infections (TB, hepatitis, STIs, etc.)
Profession or occupation: Healthcare worker/social service provider
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
Significant strides have been made in the field of HIV in the past 30 years, and we have witnessed the remarkable shift in pill burden from 20 pills daily to one pill a day and in some cases two shots every other month! Geographical, gender and social inequities in the HIV response are, however, indicative of how much more work needs to be done.
As a medical doctor working in central, eastern, southern and western Africa, I am inspired by the resilience of the communities I serve. My passion for HIV stems from a desire to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status or location, benefit from medical advancements in real time. These gaps can be bridged as the people we serve deserve improved health outcomes, and the global effort to end the HIV pandemic will become a reality in my lifetime!
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
Being an IAS change maker puts me in an advantageous position to impact the HIV community. My priorities include bridging the gap in inequitable care across the cascade among adolescent girls and young women, as well as implementing comprehensive advocacy and educative programmes that aim to tackle HIV-associated stigma and improve prevention practices.