Organization: New HIV Vaccine & Microbicide Advocacy Society (NHVMAS)
Region: Africa
Nationality: Nigeria
Country: Nigeria
Interests & expertise: COVID-19 and HIV
Profession or occupation: Advocate/activist
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
In 1998, as a very young boy, I saw a young female sex worker who died of AIDS-related causes. This was due to a lack of awareness and stigmatization by family members and friends in my neighbourhood. Then in 2009, after graduation from a tertiary institution and during my national youth services, we were taught basic facts about HIV and AIDS. This inspired me to work in an NGO to educate adolescents and young people on HIV and AIDS prevention and advocate for orphans and vulnerable populations against stigma and discrimination in society.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
My goal is to see a society where people have access to affordable and quality healthcare services. Policy makers should make policies that will benefit the common person in the street. People should respect others' sexual orientation, and there should be equal rights and justice for all.