Organization: Human Touch Foundation
Region: Asia and the Pacific Islands
Nationality: India
Country: India
Interests & expertise: Community leadership
Profession or occupation: Healthcare worker/social service provider
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
HIV is a chronic illness that is still looked at with suspicion, and persistent stigma and discrimination are attached to people living with HIV. The fact that people living with HIV have to bear both physical and emotional turmoil is something that brought me close to them. As a practicing counselling psychologist, I have dealt with many people living with HIV and seen their mental health needs; this is an area where my expertise can help.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
My goal is to be a mechanism that bridges gaps between people living with HIV and comprehensive care. My goal is also to amplify the voices of young people living with HIV as they can feel uncomfortable opening up about their status and fighting for their rights. As an IAS change maker, I would like to address the issues that affect people living with HIV and their overall well-being and advocate for their rights.