Organization: Africaid Zvandiri
Region: Africa
Nationality: Zimbabwe
Country: Zimbabwe
Interests & expertise: Community leadership
Profession or occupation: Advocate/activist
What inspires you to work in the HIV field?
I believe that the priorities, voices and experiences of young people living with HIV must inform, shape and direct all policy and programmes aimed at improving the health and lives of young people living with HIV. I want my peers to achieve their hopes and dreams for the future.
What are your goals as an IAS change maker?
HIV brings with it a distinct set of challenges in addition to challenges already faced by young people entering adulthood across the globe. In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the following are my goals as an IAS change maker:
Goal 1. To end poverty: I will ensure there is economic empowerment and social protection to reduce poverty and HIV vulnerability and keep people living with HIV healthy.
Goal 3. Good health and well-being: We are working towards ending AIDS by 2030 and we have to ensure there is HIV-sensitive universal health coverage to play a vital role in promoting health equity.
Goal 4. Quality education: HIV-related illnesses impede learner attendance and education outcomes, as does stigma and discrimination in schools. I will work to ensure that schools are safer, healthier and more inclusive places for learners and teachers living with and affected by HIV.
Goal 5. Gender equality: Violence and harmful practices negatively affect women, girls, men and boys, increasing vulnerability to HIV acquisition and its impact. I will ensure implementation of gender-transformative HIV programmes that engage men to reduce violence and empower women.
Goal 10. Reduced inequalities: HIV affects vulnerable communities, providing protection against discrimination, rights literacy and access to justice and protection. I can empower people to claim their rights and enhance access to HIV services.