Organization: University of Dodoma
Region: Africa
Nationality: Tanzania| The United Republic of
Country: Tanzania, The United Republic of
Interests & expertise: Ageing with HIV
Profession or occupation: Educator/trainer
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
My inspiration to work in the HIV field emanates from having witnessed first-hand a scenario where an HIV diagnosis was literally equivalent to a death sentence. Many parts of Africa hardest hit by the epidemic were faced with a similar experience at the time. Today, substantial gains have been made and HIV is merely a chronic disease devoid of its pre-ART devastating impact thanks to the availability of better prevention, diagnostic and treatment tools.
In my work in the HIV field, I’m inspired by the fact that, with equitable access to these tools, a future generation free of HIV is indeed a possibility. However, I’m also inspired by the harsh reality that there are still widespread socioeconomic and demographic gaps in accessing life-saving interventions. If we all decide to become change makers in our own small ways, a truly meaningful change can be realized soon enough.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
Tanzania is one of the African countries that has made significant progress in preventing new HIV acquisitions and reducing HIV-related morbidity and mortality. However, gaps exist across the HIV care continuum, including lack of HIV experts and/or specialists to optimally deliver evidence-based services to people living with HIV and vulnerable populations. As an IAS change maker and affiliate of an academic institution, my goal is to address these challenges by engaging in HIV-related mentorship activities for upcoming clinicians, building and/or developing local capacity to respond to HIV research and clinical needs, and forging local and international partnerships to address pressing issues in the HIV field.