THRIVE CAB members pictured at July's Kickoff meeting in Kampala.
The THRIVE CAB is a key enabler to achieving the aims of the THRIVE project holistically. The essential work performed by the CAB wouldn't be possible without the commitment of each CAB member, each of whom is introduced briefly below.
Delma Chihenyo is a renowned HIV advocate who has represented voices of adolescents and young people in local and regional decision-making spaces, and is passionate about promoting ethical and meaningful engagement of young people in these fora. This passion to promote involvement of adolescents and young people in their own healthcare led her to join the THRIVE CAB to help reduce HIV-related mortality among children and young people living with HIV by enabling access to critical commodities and optimal treatment regimens.
Johnson Akai is a seasoned project coordinator with over six years of experience in the healthcare sector, specializing in supporting vulnerable communities, particularly adolescents and adults living with HIV. He currently serves as a THRIVE CAB member, where he contributes to strategic decision-making and community representation. With strong leadership, communication, and technical skills, Johnson is dedicated to driving positive change and empowering communities through effective project management and advocacy.
Adaga Dinah Doosen is a mentor mother and coordinator of women living with HIV and AIDS in the Benue State of Nigeria. Her extensive experience as a mentor mother, and the many meaningful interactions with other women, only grew her desire to connect women living with HIV in Benue State to support groups. One thing that gives her extreme fulfillment is working with HIV+ caregivers to support adherence and enable them to give birth to HIV- infants. She looks forward to expanding her influence and impact as a THRIVE CAB member.
Francis Nwankwo cares deeply about the meaningful and ethical inclusion of youth, minority populations, and other vulnerable groups. Through his participation in the THRIVE CAB, as well as other groups such as the HIV Prevention TWG, Y+ Global Vibrant Young Voices (VYV) Consortium, National Steering Committee, and Key Population Secretariat, Francis's grassroot advocacy work has led to significant improvements in the state HIV response, as well as two state awards recognizing his commitment to the HIV response. He enjoys learning from colleagues, sharing ideas, and mentoring young people, particularly those living with HIV. Francis also loves cooking!
Nontombi Lekoane wanted to become a THRIVE CAB member because of her own lived experiences with HIV, and reflections on how useful having an advocate in her own life would have been. Regardless, Nontombi is ambitious and resilient, and is committed to use her story to make a difference and positively impact others. She greatly appreciates the opportunity to acquire additional knowledge on AHD and the privilege of transferring that knowledge to community members to save lives. Nontombi is also a wonderful dancer, and greatly enjoys it.
Nyiko Kubai is a dedicated activist from South Africa. His background and lived experiences have fueled his intentions to inspire action and activism in people living with HIV and those who are affected. He is a well-rounded young person, born a leader, and has a fervent desire to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic through a multi-strategy approach. Nyiko has gained experience through grassroots interventions and high level projects. He hopes to leverage this experience to support his community in saving lives lost to AHD. Outside of work, Nyiko loves music and spending time in nature.
James Lule loves working with children, and greatly enjoys supporting others by sharing his knowledge and expertise. He wanted to become a THRIVE CAB member to support fellow PLHIV in shared advocacy, specifically as it relates to HIV, TB, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including psychosocial support and gender equality. He loves listening to country and gospel music.
Ruth Ninsiima is a teacher by training, and a social worker by service. She has spent many years training people in HIV-related topics, entrepreneurship, and life skills. Ruth is determined and hard-working, and wanted to become a THRIVE CAB member to reach every last community member to eliminate deaths from AHD. Outside of her community work, Ruth loves to dance and would challenge anyone to a dance competition!
Chrystal Bonzo is a dedicated Development Practitioner with 5 years experience in designing, leading and reporting on community development programs for adolescents in HIV/AIDS, SRHR, and Leadership Development. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree with majors in Gender Studies, History and Politics from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Additionally, Chrystal has worked with various non-profit organizations to promote the uptake of HIV treatment, care, and support services. In her spare time, Chrystal enjoys flower gardening and painting. She wanted to be a THRIVE CAB member because of her passion for empowering young people in various communities to be agents of positive change in shaping HIV/AIDS response, while representing the important voices of the community.
Tonderai Alfred Rusirevi first became involved in advocacy as a Community Adolescent Treatment Supporter (CATS) with Zvandiri. His experience connecting children and young people living with HIV to health care facilities and providing peer support motivated him to continue working with organizations such as Zimbabwe Young Positives (ZY+) and the Zimbabwe National Network of PLHIV (ZNNP+), eventually training other CATS and expanding to support adults living with HIV as well. He is passionate about advocacy, particularly as it relates to reducing stigma and discrimination. Outside of his community work, he enjoys hiking and nature photography.
We look forward to sharing the incredible work being done by our THRIVE CAB members in the future!
The THRIVE CAB is funded by Unitaid, whose generous support of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)-led THRIVE Project is enabling access to critical prevention, screening, and treatment commodities for advanced HIV disease to dramatically reduce mortality among adults and children living with HIV. In partnership with CHAI through this project, Afrocab is leading community and civil society engagement in collaboration with global and local stakeholders.
