Valentina Trivella

What inspires you to work in the HIV field?

I am constantly inspired by the resilience and strength of individuals and communities impacted by HIV, especially young people who live with the condition and courageously navigate the many challenges it brings. Having worked in the HIV field for eight years, I have seen firsthand the barriers young people face, not only in accessing treatment, but also in receiving the psychosocial support essential for their well-being. This drives me to focus on community-centred models, like the Zvandiri Model, which empowers young people to support one another and become advocates in their own communities.

The potential for positive change through these models, coupled with the possibility of building more inclusive and compassionate healthcare systems, fuels my commitment. Every step forward strengthens my resolve to contribute to a future where everyone has access to the care, understanding and resources they need to live well with HIV.

What are your goals as an IAS change maker?

As an IAS change maker, my goal is to amplify person-centred approaches in HIV care, particularly by engaging young people and communities in programme design and implementation. I aim to leverage this platform to advocate for strategies that prioritize the lived experiences of young people living with HIV, enabling health responses that are more adaptable, compassionate and effective. I also want to see a movement where HIV care targets more than just the clinical aspects, and prioritizes a focus on mental well-being, resilience and psychosocial support for our young people.

Through connecting with fellow change makers, I hope to gather insights and foster collaborations that support the scale up of the Zvandiri Model in South Africa. My vision is to see person-centred care recognized not just as an ideal, but as a standard practice across healthcare settings, bringing us closer to ending HIV as a public health crisis by 2030.