Medical Sciences Teaching Centre
University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3PL
UK
https://www.facebook.com/events/674554706001395
OGHG are very fortunate to host the Student Stop AIDS Campaign speaker tour!
The Student Stop AIDS Campaign is a network of young people who are fighting for a world where no one dies of an AIDS related illness, no one is newly infected with HIV and no one faces discrimination because of their diagnosis.
Come and hear the voices of young people affected by HIV and AIDS and find out what you can do to help end discrimination and achieve universal access to medicine. To find out more visit www.students.stopaidscampaign.org
Two speakers will be sharing their personal experiences with us:
Cristian Sandulescu (28), originally from Romania, studied at UCL. He was diagnosed with HIV two years ago, during a series of tests to find why his physical health had been deteriorating. This news came as a real shock to him and for a while he struggled to make sense of it, and had to cope with fear and feelings of shame and anger. Effective treatment, however, and the support of clinical staff and friends have turned this trying experience into a positive one. Cristian feels that he has gained a new insight and direction into his life that has inspired him to support others who may be facing similar challenges. Now Cristian works as a Patient Rep and a Peer Mentor for Positively UK, providing emotional and practical support to people living with HIV. He advocates to raise awareness, reduce stigma and normalize our perceptions of what it means to be living with HIV.
Juliana Odindo from Kenya (22). Juliana was born with HIV and lost both her parents early on in life. After struggling with her health for many years Juliana as diagnosed with HIV and started ART. With no child-friendly ARVs available Juliana was forced to bite pills in half and faced physical and emotional challenges due to the lack of support services aimed at children and adolescents living with HIV. Motivated by her experience Juliana is now a programme assistant at the National Empowerment Network of People living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya (Nephak) focusing on advocating for paediatric ARV formulations and more suitable health services for younger people.
We hope that you can join us!!