Organization: KEMRI
Region: Africa
Nationality: Kenya
Country: Kenya
Interests & expertise: Ageing with HIV
Profession or occupation: Healthcare worker/social service provider
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
I grew up in a community where HIV and AIDS was considered to be a curse and where stigma was at its peak, a community where a child born of a parent with HIV was openly discriminated against and insulted as if HIV was a crime. My community was majorly swept by HIV because of our cultural and behavioural practices, such as inheriting wives. As a result, my inclination towards pursuing health-related courses, especially HIV, came about.
Myths and misconceptions, poor adherence, pill burdens, paediatric HIV, stigma, inaccessible care and insufficient ARV drug supply in low- and middle-income countries heightened my interest, too. My desire to keep abreast with the new technology and emerging issues around HIV has boosted my interest in research, too.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
My goals are to:
- Contribute to new models on HIV management, which will add to existing literature; influence policy makers with the latest research finding; influence policy makers so that they invest in research activities geared towards improving HIV care.
- Scale up mentorship programmes in the subcounty, county and nationwide.
- Empower people living with HIV to fight stigma; come up with an advocacy group and provide hope on HIV remission and eradication of the epidemic.
- Come up with a disclosure or support group that will support children and adolescents living positively.