Emmanuel Ouma

What inspires you to work in the HIV field?

What inspires me to work in the HIV field is deeply personal. I have grown up watching friends, peers and community members, especially young queer people, carry out silent battles with stigma, fear and rejection. Some have lost hope and others have lost their lives, not because of HIV itself, but because of the isolation and shame surrounding it. As a Young Leader, I feel a responsibility to stand in those gaps to speak, act and care where systems have failed us. I have seen how access to information, support and community can change everything. I work in this space because I believe every young person deserves to be seen, heard and loved. HIV is not just a medical issue; it is a human issue. My hope is to create spaces where healing, dignity and hope are possible, especially for those who have been told that they do not matter. Their courage is what fuels mine.

What are your goals as an IAS change maker?

As a communicator and an IAS change maker, my goal is to bridge the gap between communities and decision makers by telling powerful, human-centred stories that spark empathy, challenge stigma and inspire action. I aim to amplify the voices of young people, especially those from key populations, whose experiences with HIV, mental health and social exclusion are often overlooked or misrepresented.

Through strategic storytelling, digital campaigns and grassroots engagement, I want to reframe narratives around HIV from fear to empowerment, from silence to boldness. I also hope to strengthen youth-led advocacy by creating accessible content that informs, mobilizes and pushes for policy change rooted in lived realities. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that communication is not just about visibility, but about justice and dignity and shifting power to the communities that are most affected.