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UNAIDS is in the business of saving lives, removing inequalities and addressing being voice of marginalized groups of societies, that is what i like about UNAIDS and why i have been with it for almost 20 years. Its a small close knit organization and has a family feel making me comfortable. The main work of UNAIDS is at the country level where you can effect tangible positive changes in human lives and this was the main motivation behind applying for UCD role. Being the face of the organization it allows me to realize my full potential and use my experience and skills on a larger canvas.

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UNAIDS Convening Power, Advocacy and Influencing 

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UNAIDS Convening Power, Advocacy and Influencing 

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Tharcisse /Zambia: Working with  UNAIDS is  Very important to me due to the Convening Power , Advocacy and Influence of UNAIDS to keep the Response at the Global and Country Agenda, resources mobilisation.  Why Decision to be UCD? I m medical Doctor specialized in Internal Medicine and Public health who worked in Hospitals when ARVs where not available. In 1990s working in hospitals my First research subject was on HIV/TB. Early 2000 UNAIDS mobilised International Community for World Bank , GFATM and PEPFAR support .These achievements have changed the narrative of HIV/AIDS response . Appointed the First Technical Director of NAC in my country, Burundi and leaded the establishment of the Multisectoral response and worked closely with UNAIDS. From there worked with World Bank and GFATM to provide Technical and Leadership to NAC Djibouti from 2006-2009. I decided to Join UNAIDS for 14 years as UCD in different Regions. UNAIDS has been an organization working by pouting the people at the centre of the response. The Vision of ending AIDS in 2030 as a public health, is keeping me Motivated and committed to continue the UCD work.

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Andrea Boccardi Vidarte - UNAIDS Country Director for the Andean Countries (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia) since 2020.

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I am a military medical doctor, specialized in OBGYN and subspecialized in adolescents, girls and young women health. Joined UNAIDS 20 years ago as Security and Humanitarian Adviser. Initially was hired as a consultant for two years, working from my home country, and in 2005 applied for a fix term position, was located in Panama and helped establishing the UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Latin American countries. My position was abolished in 2007 and was selected as Planning and Programming Adviser, reassigned as Policy & Programme Adviser and as Prevention - Treatment Continuum Adviser until 2015. During those 10 years in Panama, I had the pleasure to work with a wonderful professionals in the RST, leading the program team, and all UCDs in the region. I was reassigned during my mobility exercise to Geneva as Senior Prevention Adviser and later joined the Human Rights and Gender Teams as Senior Community Mobilization Adviser until 2020. Was part of the first cohort that participated in the UCD Assessment Center, and was selected as temporary UCD for Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia for one year. I was deployed to Lima, in September 2020 in an Humanitarian flight during the COVID 19 pandemic and started my work during the confinenment period. In 2021, I re applied to the same position, was selected during the last reorganization, Colombia was added to the MCO.
I have the privilege of leading a small but super experienced team which is comprised by colleagues I know for more than 18 years, who I respect and admire.
I am grateful to the organization for the opportunity to serve communities of PLHIV and KP, advise governments, lead the UN Joint Teams and joined UNCTs, in four countries. We confront new and different challenges everyday as the political, economic and social context are permanent changing. Strong conservadurism and right movements are pushing back human rights and gender equality efforts; increasing poverty, exclusion and discrimination against the people we serve. We showcase the situation Veneazuelan young migrants dying of AIDS in the front door of hospitals with no access to health services in Peru, to sensitize partners; save lives of sex workers under life threat in the streets of Lima by mafia, by establising an emergency fund for their relocation to safe places; address discrimination in the health sector in Ecuador and Bolivia, and support the MoH to issue a compulsory license for DTG to increase access and coverage to first line treatment to nationals and migrants with HIV living in Colombia. This is the day to day work of UNAIDS MCO for the Andean region.

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Joint collaboration and the power of communities - UCD Brazil

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Joint collaboration and the power of communities - UCD Brazil

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Although I have a degree in biology, a two-year volunteer programme allowed to work directly in the community with women in rural areas on topics related to reproductive health in the early 90s. After this experience, I knew my heart lied with community-level work and returned for a graduate degree in public health and continued with research among communities through grant. Later after working in my country as an epidemiologist, I returned to working with communities throuh bilateral funded programmes in reproductive health and HIV for several years. I joined UNAIDS in 2008 because I realized the importance working at a multilateral programme like UNAIDS could make in advancing political will and solidarity among partners trying to address and end the HIV epidemic. I began working in HIV in 2005 with a project focused on working with FBOs and the HIV response. Through this project I worked closely with community-based and civil society organizations. It was during this programme that we developed a methodology for partnership defined solutions. However, the programme remained at a programmatic level. Joining UNAIDS initially as a monitoring and evaluation adviser, then later as as strategic information adviser and strategic intervention adviser allowed me to contribute the HIV response from different perspectives. Most importantly, it was the first time I was working side-by-side with people living with and affected by HIV. Prior to this, my experience was dominated by those who had studied and visited the global south but were not from the communities and did not always relate. I decided to become a UCD because I felt I was ready to lead a team and demonstrate impact at a different level. It has given me the ability to build a diverse and equitable team capable of partnerships with all stakeholders and demonstrating the power of solidarity and joint collaboration.

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In 1996, I opted to take up an internship with a catholic hospital providing palliative care for people living with AIDS after one month of persistent appeal to my social work class. None of my course mates was prepared to have anything to do with HIV because of the very high level of stigma, discrimination and a sense of hopelessness that PLHIV endured. I took the leap of faith recognizing the need for care and support to make life meaningful for PLHIV at a time when there was nothing we could offer but HOPE and prophylaxis for opportunistic infections. Today, I am inspired that we can achieve epidemic control and end AIDS as a public health threat. My work as a UCD provides me with an opportunity to support the countries to make strategic decisions to improve access to HIV services in an environment free of stigma and discrimination. Preventing new infections and guaranteeing better health outcomes for PLHIV is an obligation that cannot be compromised.

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I am a chemist-pharmacist and biologist and at the begining of my career I used to work on pharmacology research trying to get a job at big pharma. Thanks to one of my mentors I discovered that I was more motivated to serve people than to work for the pharma business sector, so I decided to move to the public healt field and I started my postgradate studies and my professional career working on health policy and health economics research. I started to collaborate in a project focused on cost-effectiveness analysis of ARV medicines and that was the moment when I really discovered the existance of UNAIDS. Since that time I tried to join UNAIDS because I felt attracted by the purpose of our organization and specially by the close relationship and work between the organization and people (PLHIV, key populations, etc).
Since I joined UNAIDS,  initially as Strategic Information Adviser, I feelt decided, motivated, and enthusiastic to contribute with the UNAIDS transformation and the UN Decade of Action by leading an office team for achieving impact results on the elimination of HIV epidemic as a sustainable development problem fighting for the rights of PLHIV, key populations and communities.

I think the UCD role and leadership is key to end with social and economic inequities and concentrated epidemics, in low and middle income countries.
I decided to contribute with my experience as UNAIDS Country Director a.i., senior director at government level, and senior advisor to government decision makers  to challenge myself in benefit of the organization by leading a team looking for solutions to make a better life for those most vulnerable and those most in need, incluing the PLHIV and the key populations we serve.

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Why is the work of UNAIDS important to you?
The work of UNAIDS aligns a great deal with my own values, those of equality and the desire to see a better world where everyone is afforded equal opportunities and access.
Why did you decide to become a UNAIDS Country Director?
I wanted to be able to directly work and see at community level in countries, the sort of impact and differences we were making by mobilizing and implementing change.

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A a doctor and public health specialist, after 7 years of work in medical/health field and 10 years in UNDP, Global Fund, WFP and UNFPA on health programmes, i found UNAIDS as the agency where i can share my knowledge and experience in response to a disease which can not- by any means- be summarized in medicine. UNAIDS was teh organization where all social determinants of HIV could be seen and responded to. 

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A a doctor and public health specialist, after 7 years of work in medical/health field and 10 years in UNDP, Global Fund, WFP and UNFPA on health programmes, i found UNAIDS as the agency where i can share my knowledge and experience in response to a disease which can not- by any means- be summarized in medicine. UNAIDS was teh organization where all social determinants of HIV could be seen and responded to. 

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As a joint programme, UNAIDS is unique in bringing together the mandates, technical expertise and strengths of the co-sponsors to address an virus that requires a truly multi-sectoral approach to overcome. UNAIDS' ability to mobilise diverse partners in the world to focus attention on addressing the social, political, economic and legal issues and barriers  for the AIDS response from community through to global level is phenomenal. This has arguably led to the progress so far made in the global AIDS response. My decision to become a UCD stems from my conviction that i can help mobilise partnerships, technical know-how and other  resources to respond to HIV, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.

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As a joint programme, UNAIDS is unique in bringing together the mandates, technical expertise and strengths of the co-sponsors to address an virus that requires a truly multi-sectoral approach to overcome. UNAIDS' ability to mobilise diverse partners in the world to focus attention on addressing the social, political, economic and legal issues and barriers  for the AIDS response from community through to global level is phenomenal. This has arguably led to the progress so far made in the global AIDS response. My decision to become a UCD stems from my conviction that i can help mobilise partnerships, technical know-how and other  resources to respond to HIV, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.

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My decision to

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Why is the work of UNAIDS important to me?

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Why is the work of UNAIDS important to me?

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I decided to join UNAIDS after 10 years work experience with UNDP. The time I have decided to join UNAIDS, I felt like I can better to contribute to accelerate the AIDS response by bringing my solid experience from UNDP, particularly in partnership building, resources mobilization , planning and coordination. Over the years, I am really satisfied by my contribution as i got the opportunity to work in many complex and challenging countries where I used my diplomatic and political influence to position the AIDS response at the top level of the governments agendas. I also contribute to initiate and enhance the community led responses in many countries.

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UNAIDS for me is a problem-solver, an opportunity to combine innovative partnerships at governmental and community-based organizations levels that leads and inspires in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for saving lives, leaving no one behind.  

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UNAIDS for me is a problem-solver, an opportunity to combine innovative partnerships at governmental and community-based organizations levels that leads and inspires in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for saving lives, leaving no one behind.  

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The humanitarian work is exciting and challenging but rewarding when you can achieve significant results impacting positively the lifes of human beings. Through my position at UNAIDS, I believe I am contributing to a better world.

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Why UNAIDS work is important and why I decided to become a UCD

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Why UNAIDS work is important and why I decided to become a UCD

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UNAIDS work is important to me because it is inspiring the world to ensure that no one is left behind in receiving sustainable gender and human rights sensitive HIV and AIDS services. I decided to become a UCD because I am convinced that I can contribute to alleviating the challenges that HIV related key and vulnerable populations face. I have worked for UNAIDS for several years and my experience and qualifications were suited for the UCD job.

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In 2003, before ARVs were made widely available, I met a 6 months old girl living with HIV. I broke into tears when I first saw her thinking of the future she has and how long she would live and the stigma that she would face. Since that time I worked closely with PLHIV, trying to amplify their voices and solicit community support and government commitment to AIDS response. We have come a long way and I am proud to have been part of that journey. The challenges and disappointments have been overwhelming at times, but all disappear when I see the faces of PLHIV and how they are able to live and thrive now. I have worked with UNAIDS for 20 years and I cannot see myself in any other organization. My sense of purpose changed every time my role within UNAIDS changed. As a country director, I see myself as an AIDS ambassador and I carry the voice of PLHIV and key population with me wherever I go.

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UNAIDS represents the power of joint collaboration and where we can demonstrate what we can achieve with shared responsibility to end an epidemic like AIDS. 

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UNAIDS represents the power of joint collaboration and where we can demonstrate what we can achieve with shared responsibility to end an epidemic like AIDS. 

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Why did you decide to become an UCD? YOW

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Why did you decide to become an UCD? YOW

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I hold several technical positions win UNAIDS in different countries and the limit during these assignments was the possibility to influence or drive change as I would like to within UNAIDS as well as in the UN Country Team. It was therefore time for me to play a leadership role where I can influence and drive change for a greater impact on people we serve.

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Why is the work of UNAIDS important to you? YOW

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Why is the work of UNAIDS important to you? YOW

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Sometimes I asked myself if UNAIDS was not created what would have happened? And my answer is many people would have been left behind as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic. This answer is the essence of the importance of UNAIDS to me.  UNAIDS has saved and continues to save the lives of millions of people and being part of this organization is a source of pride. I could remember the conditions of patients in our ward with only palliative care we were able to offer.

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I am a medical doctor who was first confronted with HIV during my internships at the Clinique Saint-Pierre in Brussels in the service of professor Nathan Clumeck. It was very early days in the epidemic and there was a lot of unknown things and thus fear around this new disease. That left an important mark on me. During my initial career with MSF and with GIZ, I started up or worked in large HIV programs (not only). When the opportunity arose for UCC in Niger, I applied and got in.   In fact, being at UNAIDS allows me to be compassionate and to do a job that changes a lot for people who suffer or who are victim of injustices and discrimination, but it also allows me to to exercise my passion for public health. My present job allows me within the UNAIDS framework to marry as well technical work as advocacy influence.

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The world had never been challenged with a global pandemic that is equal to HIV and AIDS and the impact it had on people, countries and regions. The response to HIV  requires an unprecedented global solidarity and mutual accountability. Having lost many friends, family members and colleagues, it is  obligation to be part of this transformative journey to  change HIV/AIDS from crisis to manageable chronic illness. UNAIDS provides with the opportunity to work with a diverse range people, work on important issues-gender, human rights, ending inequalities, political leadership and civil society to be the agents of change. This a unique and life time calling which I want to be associated with. 

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The world had never been challenged with a global pandemic that is equal to HIV and AIDS and the impact it had on people, countries and regions. The response to HIV  requires an unprecedented global solidarity and mutual accountability. Having lost many friends, family members and colleagues, it is  obligation to be part of this transformative journey to  change HIV/AIDS from crisis to manageable chronic illness. UNAIDS provides with the opportunity to work with a diverse range people, work on important issues-gender, human rights, ending inequalities, political leadership and civil society to be the agents of change. This a unique and life time calling which I want to be associated with. 

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So inspiring to read colleagues' posts... I have always wanted to work in development. I started to  volunteer for the Red Cross in my country when I was still a minor. I entered the UN family, when I was 26, in UNICEF, working on private sector engagement. I joined UNAIDS couple of years later as I felt I could go beyond fundraising and make a more significant programmatic and direct impact through supporting HIV programs in companies. And then 16 years later I am still energized to work for UNAIDS. I think UNAIDS is a unique UN agency, not only for its Cosponsored Program nature, but also because it is an innovative place to work, where (most) people have the space to exercise leadership. I feel privileged to have been given opportunities to start something new, with every mobility move. It is not easy to reinvent oneself every four years, but it is a vital challenge. I am also proud to be part of the HIV movement, that has always been about more than the HIV epidemic; about wider social change, equity, and defending the human rights of the most marginalized people.

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So inspiring to read colleagues' posts... I have always wanted to work in development. I started to  volunteer for the Red Cross in my country when I was still a minor. I entered the UN family, when I was 26, in UNICEF, working on private sector engagement. I joined UNAIDS couple of years later as I felt I could go beyond fundraising and make a more significant programmatic and direct impact through supporting HIV programs in companies. And then 16 years later I am still energized to work for UNAIDS. I think UNAIDS is a unique UN agency, not only for its Cosponsored Program nature, but also because it is an innovative place to work, where (most) people have the space to exercise leadership. I feel privileged to have been given opportunities to start something new, with every mobility move. It is not easy to reinvent oneself every four years, but it is a vital challenge. I am also proud to be part of the HIV movement, that has always been about more than the HIV epidemic; about wider social change, equity, and defending the human rights of the most marginalized people.

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I have always been committed to serving humanity, and I firmly believe in the UNs role to drive sustainable development for people, for the planet, for prosperity and for peace. When my close friend acquired HIV in the 80’s, it was a death sentence. The struggles she faced in accessing ARVs and the care she needed and the stigma and discrimination was heart breaking! The way she got through her diagnosis and her courage to openly talk about her status to raise awareness and dispel many of the misconceptions that are out there motivated me. The work I do at UNAIDS honors my friends memory and fighting spirit every day. Eva

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As an engineer specializing in information technology, with a background in public health, I am convinced that knowledge and strategic information are essential in developing effective strategies to combat epidemics, including HIV. That is why I have decided to join the UNAIDS team, to contribute to this noble cause on a global, regional, and local scale. I am proud to put my skills and expertise at the service of this great mission, and I am confident that we can make a real difference in the lives of people affected by HIV.

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After losing several close friends, relatives and finally my own sibling to AIDS, my redline had been crossed and the AIDS fight became personal to me. UNAIDS became the ultimate institution i chose to work for because our values and mission aligned to save lives by ending AIDS as a societal threat. I am committed and passionate about the work i do for UNAIDS because i feel fulfilled in contributing to a higher purpose. Richard

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I am a doctor, specialist in epidemiology and public health and infectious diseases. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, I began to dedicate my professional life to HIV, an epidemic that at that time was disproportionately concentrated among gay men and other men who have sex with men and was becoming more feminized, demonstrating gender inequities. As a gay man, committed to public health, I continued working on this and on international cooperation, until in 2001 I joined UNAIDS as Country Program Adviser (later Unaids COuntry Coordinator) in Angola, where I spent 10 years of my life. Then I went to Central American countries (Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica), then to the Southern Cone, Andean Countries and now again in the Southern Cone. The response to HIV from the perspective of human rights became part of my life, a way to contribute to a better world that goes towards the desired universality of human rights, an arduous but necessary path.