Husunukpe Sitsope Adjovi

What inspires you to work in the HIV field?

As a young person living with HIV, my greatest inspiration comes from the desire to protect the next generation from experiencing the challenges I have faced. I have witnessed how stigma, misinformation and structural barriers can harm not only health outcomes, but also self-esteem and life opportunities. This drives me to work tirelessly to promote education, access to services and supportive environments where young people can thrive without fear or shame. I believe that ending the AIDS pandemic is not only a medical goal, but also a fight for dignity, equity and justice. 

By sharing my story and advocating for change, I aim to break the silence, challenge harmful norms and inspire others to stand up for their rights. My work is fuelled by the vision of a world where no child or young person suffers from stigma and every life is valued equally.

What are your goals as an IAS change maker?

As an IAS change maker, my goal is to drive impactful, inclusive change by empowering communities – especially young people – to take ownership of solutions to the challenges they face. I aim to leverage my experience in health advocacy, leadership development and community mobilization to strengthen responses to HIV, sexual and reproductive health and other pressing social issues. 

My focus is on creating spaces where marginalized voices are heard, respected and able to influence policy. I am committed to fostering cross-sector collaborations, encouraging innovation and championing evidence-based strategies that address structural barriers. Ultimately, I strive to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders, particularly in francophone countries – where too many children, adolescents and young people continue to die due to AIDS or related co-morbidities – to be bold, informed and relentless in shaping a healthier, more equitable future.