Organization: Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS Uganda)
Region: Africa
Nationality: Uganda
Country: Uganda
Interests & expertise: Ageing with HIV
Profession or occupation: Advocate/activist
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
My family was directly affected by the HIV epidemic. I lost my older sister to advanced HIV disease and the epidemic has had a devastating effect on Uganda and several other central, eastern, western and southern African countries. This is why I am inspired to ensure that no one dies from AIDS-related diseases: there are tools to prevent HIV and also support living a healthy, long life with HIV. Furthermore, COVID-19 research and development urgency has demonstrated that it's possible to find an HIV cure and a vaccine, and I am inspired to advocate for the transition of this momentum to the HIV response.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
My goals are to lead advocacy initiatives for a sustainable fully funded HIV response, including research and development for an HIV cure. I want to mobilize communities to effectively participate in the design and delivery of HIV services and research programmes in a joint response for an HIV-free generation.