Organization: Medical Research Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Region: Africa
Nationality: Gambia, the
Country: Gambia, the
Interests & expertise: Ageing with HIV
Profession or occupation: Advocate/activist
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
I am a research study coordinator working on clinical research studies on HIV, syphilis and HBV vertical transmission in the Gambia and Burkina Faso: the triple elimination model for the programme to prevent vertical transmission.
I am inspired to be part of this vision with the aim of giving every child the best chance to start a healthy life, free from preventable communicable diseases, during this work. I have worked with different communities to fight HIV stigma in many creative ways, as our local communities should lead the triple elimination model of the programme to prevent vertical transmission of HIV and other communicable diseases. I am really inspired to be addressing our challenges and achieving the triple elimination agenda goals.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
My goal as an IAS change maker is to see vaccines available that are effective, safe, tolerable and affordable for all – especially, I want to see an HIV vaccine for the world soon. My goal is also to collaborate with other researchers to strengthen and implement the triple elimination model for programmes to prevent vertical transmission of HIV and other communicable diseases around the globe.