Since 2016, my association with Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA) has been transformative. I initially became involved through the TRANSFORM study, where I participated in an interview. PHDA has not only impacted my life through employment but has also provided me with a platform to connect with members of my community, offering support and motivation for accessing essential services. Through my involvement with PHDA, I have witnessed the organization’s commitment to best practices in research, particularly, on STI screening and support, in which the organization has played a crucial role. The program’s emphasis on identifying and addressing the unique needs of the transgender community stands out as a significant contribution. Moreover, involving the community in these initiatives has been a key aspect of PHDA’s success. As I reflect on the past and present, I am optimistic about PHDA’s future. I foresee the organization’s growth and expansion into more cities across the country, furthering its impact and reaching even more individuals in need. PHDA’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of communities is evident, and I am proud to be a part of its journey.

My name is Joyce Adhiambo, and I am a female sex worker living with HIV for over 23 years. I am also a survivor of cervical cancer, tuberculosis (TB), and sexual and gender-based violence. Voluntarily disclosing my HIV status marked a turning point in my life. This decision empowered me personally—boosting my self-esteem, reducing self-stigma, and improving my adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Shortly after my public disclosure, I was appointed as a peer leader and later trained as a peer educator. Recognizing the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV in our community, I was entrusted with supporting 340 HIV-positive sex workers at the Kariobangi Clinic. My role involved guiding them through disclosure procedures and providing ART adherence support. I also spearheaded the formation of support groups among HIV-positive sex workers, creating a safe space for sharing challenges and motivating each other. Over two years, these efforts significantly improved the HIV treatment cascade at our clinic, leading to my promotion as a CPHDP-Community Positive Health and Dignity Prevention Champion. I have held this position for the past five years and currently lead the CPHDP team for the Sex Workers Outreach Program (SWOP), managed by the University of Manitoba team in Nairobi, Kenya.