Organization: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Departemental du Borgou Alibori
Region: Africa
Nationality: Benin
Country: Benin
Interests & expertise: Ageing with HIV
Profession or occupation: Healthcare worker/social service provider
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
I have always had this desire to assist vulnerable people. For that reason, I engaged myself since I was 10 in a girls’ association and the youth parliament, as well. Some years later, I experienced the devastation of families in my community due to HIV and once again I felt the need to support people around me.
As a woman and infectiologist from a low- and middle-income country, my main motivations are the power of bringing information on HIV, to make a change (as little as it may be), and to facilitate access to therapeutics no matter the origins, community or sexual orientation. I strongly believe that every action and change made is a victory in progress against this pandemic, which has lasted too long and from which women are paying a heavy price.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
My goals are to:
- Motivate and educate young people, in particular young women, on behaviour to be adopted since they are the leading health actors
- Stir up young people to invest in clinical and biological research to end the HIV pandemic
- Reduce inequalities in access to antiretroviral treatment
Moreover, key populations must be a priority in HIV prevention and antiretroviral treatment. A good network of well-trained healthcare workers will definitely help achieve these goals.