Organization: UPLB Babaylan - House of Red
Region: Asia and the Pacific Islands
Nationality: Philippines, the
Country: Philippines, the
Interests & expertise: Community leadership
Profession or occupation: Advocate/activist
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
From 2019 to 2023, the number of adolescents aged 15-17 years living with HIV reported to the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines increased by 78%. This may be connected to the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study results, which revealed that only 76% of 15-24 year olds had heard of HIV and AIDS in 2021, compared with 95% in 1994. This is a 19 percentage point decline in awareness among the youth.
Before joining Babaylan in 2014, I had never heard of HIV and AIDS. Through educational events that Babaylan organized at our university, I learnt more about HIV and AIDS and what they mean for young people.
My inspiration to work in the HIV response is to protect other young people from what I went through. Knowledge is power, and power can make a difference in the lives of many young people.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
As an IAS change maker, my short-term goal is to continue our work and formalize UPLB Babaylan's HIV education and service delivery campaign arm, called House of Red. My goal is to provide access to HIV services and build an online community of advocates and community-based screening motivators in our locale. I also want to ensure the sustainability of the campaign arm.
My long-term goal is to inspire other young people to be part of the HIV response. Young people are among the most vulnerable to HIV acquisition. By creating an environment where young people have a sense of ownership in protecting each other, our community and aspirations will be stronger.