Kennedy Mupeli
Botswana
[email protected]
Kennedy Mupeli, from Botswana, is a long-time renowned advocate and educator within the HIV community. In 2017, as an AVAC Advocacy Fellow, Kennedy spearheaded a critical PrEP initiative in Botswana aimed at bolstering education, advocacy, and crucial partnerships with local civil society organizations to streamline PrEP delivery. By 2019, Kennedy’s dedication to the fight against HIV deepened as he was selected as the International AIDS Society (IAS) Cure Advocacy Fellow. He is the co-founder of the U=U Africa Forum. This initiative, led by people living with HIV, leverages the power of U=U science to reduce stigma and broaden access to treatment throughout Africa. In his current role as the Community Engagement Lead for the IMPRINT Project, Kennedy is at the forefront of translating innovative fungal treatment findings from the ACTA and AMBITIONcm studies into actionable, real-world applications. His enthusiasm for HIV community education shines through his work as the principal HIV science literacy trainer in his network, where he has played a critical role in the education and empowerment of individuals living with HIV. Kennedy is also the visionary behind the Botswana Media Science Café and a crucial figure on the U=U Global Community Board for the Prevention Access Campaign, demonstrating his relentless pursuit to make science and research literacy accessible to all. As the 2023 IAS/AVAC HIV Cure Alumni Grantee, he is also focusing on a project that aims to elevate community-based Cure education and advocacy training for long-term HIV survivors in Botswana, underscoring his ongoing commitment to the HIV community.
Sekgabo Seselamarumo
Botswana
[email protected]
Sekgabo Seselamarumo is a dynamic HIV advocate, educator, and media influencer from Botswana, dedicated to transforming the landscape of health and wellness for young people, particularly those living with HIV. Her unwavering dedication to advancing HIV awareness and advocacy has made her a leading voice in the global fight against the epidemic. Sekgabo has made a profound impact as a Youth Advocate with Sentebale Charity, playing a pivotal role in the Let Youth Lead (LYL) Program. She is a powerful voice for young people living with HIV, reaching over 90,000 listeners as a content contributor and presenter on Radio Positive by Sentebale. Her innovative campaigns, including viral TikTok initiatives on Long-Acting Injectables (LAIs) that garnered over 1 million views, underscore her ability to mobilize and inspire change. Sekgabo’s influence extends far beyond Botswana. She is a 2024 Fellow of the prestigious HIV Cure Advocacy-for-Cure Academy, a program organized by the International AIDS Society (IAS) and AVAC. This academy empowers global advocates with the knowledge and skills to advocate and advance HIV cure research, and Sekgabo’s selection as a Fellow is a testament to her dedication and leadership in this critical field. Additionally, she is a 2024 Mentee in the IAS Vaccine Enterprise Mentorship Program, where she receives guidance from experienced professionals to further enhance her advocacy efforts, particularly in HIV vaccine research and public health communication. Her work as an AIDS2024 Media Fellow with the International Community of Women Living with HIV (ICW) has allowed her to amplify the voices of young people and women living with HIV, ensuring their stories and challenges are heard on global platforms. Through these prestigious programs, Sekgabo continues to strengthen her role as a global advocate, contributing to the advancement of HIV prevention, treatment, cure research and vaccine development.
Simon Ondiek
Kenya
[email protected]
Simon Odiwuor Ondiek is a dedicated public health specialist with over a decade of experience in research, evaluation, and advocacy. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Technology and currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University of Manchester, Simon’s academic background is rich in epidemiology, health policy, implementation science and research methodologies, which have been instrumental in his work across diverse global health initiatives. Simon’s expertise lies in designing, implementing, and evaluating public health programs, where he excels in translating research into evidence-based strategies. He has led and contributed to several key projects, advocating for the uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), microbicides, HIV vaccines, conducting comprehensive evaluations and landscape analyses in areas like sexually transmitted infections (STI) and digital health. His work in these domains not only informs policy development but also strengthens advocacy efforts by leveraging data to influence decision-making. In the realm of advocacy, Simon has actively engaged in promoting global health rights and fostering stakeholder collaboration. His work with organizations such as AVAC has focused on STI and HIV prevention advocacy, particularly in policy reforms and community engagement. Simon’s ability to combine research-driven insights with targeted advocacy strategies has made him a pivotal figure in efforts to advance health equity and improve health outcomes in Africa. Through his advocacy efforts, Simon has successfully mobilized communities, influenced stakeholders, and contributed to global health dialogues. With extensive experience in program evaluation and a passion for driving health policy reforms, Simon continues to advocate for health improvements through rigorous research, thoughtful evaluation, and strategic advocacy.
Jacqueline Wambui
Kenya
[email protected]
Jacqueline Wambui holds the position of Regional CAB Coordinator at the Afrocab Treatment Access Partnership. She has a strong background in HIV counselling and training. Passionate about advocating for the treatment and prevention of HIV, she focuses particularly on the rights of HIV-positive individuals and AGYW (adolescent girls and young women). With over fifteen years of experience in HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights programs in Kenya, she has spearheaded various advocacy campaigns that have positively impacted people living with HIV and AGYW at national, regional, and global levels. Jacqueline also co-led the FASTER Paediatric and Adolescent CAB and is an AVAC Alumni Fellow as well as a member of the GCAG for the Merck Monthly Pill Trial. Additionally, she serves on the African Women’s Community Prevention Accountability Board (AWCPAB). Jacqueline’s efforts have garnered recognition, including the AIDS 2020 Women, Girls, and HIV Investigator’s Prize.