Organization: Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global)
Region: Asia and the Pacific Islands
Nationality: Philippines
Country: Philippines
Interests & expertise: Co-infections (TB, hepatitis, STIs, etc.)
Profession or occupation: Advocate/activist
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
Since I graduated from college in 2010, it has been my dream to work on community development initiatives. I believe that working with the community on the grassroots level, prioritizing education and conducting research will help me in my advocacy towards equal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including HIV-related services, in my country. As a young person living with HIV, helping people like me has been my driving force. My work is focused on young people living with HIV and their families.
From self-stigma, discrimination, ageism, sexual violence and intra-partner violence to social and structural inequalities … I have heard it all from young people living with HIV. It is essential to tackle all these issues and pay more attention to young people living with HIV; there are a lot of factors that hamper the response for this population, from lack of laws and policies that protect them to stigma and discrimination and understanding their vulnerability to HIV. There are still a lot of issues that surround young people living with HIV not only in the Philippines, but the whole of Asia and the Pacific.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
My vision and goal as an IAS change maker is to create a world where all people are equally able to enjoy and express their SRH and exercise their rights. Also, my vision is that even if you are poor and oppressed, you are able to access the best doctor and treatment possible in one of the best hospitals. SRHR for all cannot be realized by just delivering more services. Access to services by women, young people, LGBTIQ+ and marginalized groups is adversely affected by poverty, stigma and discrimination. All women should have access to contraception and SRH care services.
My ultimate goal is to improve the healthcare efforts in accessing SRHR and HIV-related health services among women and young LGBTIQ+ in my country and region. Lastly, I want to make a difference. By serving and protecting young people living with HIV through advocacy, education and research, I will be able to create change.