Category: Health Advocasy : All About Health

  • Mental Health and Global Health

    Mental Health and Global Health

    The importance of mental health in global health, particularly during a pandemic, cannot be overstated. Mental health plays a critical role in overall well-being and is intricately connected to physical health, social functioning, and the ability to cope with challenges and adversity. Here are some key reasons why mental health should be prioritized in global health, especially in the context of a pandemic:

    Psychological impact of the pandemic: The pandemic has led to increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders due to factors such as fear of infection, social isolation, loss of loved ones, financial strain, and disruptions in daily life. Addressing mental health is essential to mitigate these psychological impacts.

    Impact on physical health: Mental health conditions can have significant effects on physical health. Conditions like anxiety and depression can increase the risk of chronic diseases, weaken the immune system, and hinder individuals from seeking necessary healthcare services, leading to poorer health outcomes.

    Social and economic consequences: Mental health issues can exacerbate social inequalities and have long-term economic consequences. Poor mental health can affect educational attainment, employment prospects, and productivity, thereby impacting socioeconomic development and widening existing health disparities.

    Strengthening healthcare systems: Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare systems strengthens overall healthcare delivery. It enables early detection and treatment of mental health disorders, reduces the burden on specialized mental health facilities, and promotes a comprehensive approach to health and well-being.

    Human rights perspective: Recognizing and addressing mental health as a fundamental human right is crucial. This includes ensuring access to mental health services, combating stigma and discrimination, and promoting the inclusion and participation of individuals with mental health conditions in society.

    Resilience and recovery: Prioritizing mental health during a pandemic fosters resilience and aids in the recovery process. By providing psychosocial support, promoting self-care strategies, and enhancing coping mechanisms, individuals and communities can better adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

    To achieve global health goals, it is essential to integrate mental health into policies, healthcare systems, and public health strategies. This involves increasing investment in mental health services, training healthcare professionals in mental health care, raising awareness, and destigmatizing mental health conditions. By addressing mental health as a core component of global health, we can create a healthier and more resilient world, both during and beyond the pandemic.

    Read it on my Medium blogging account Here

  • My Journey as a Member of the UNAIDS Global Advisory Group

    My Journey as a Member of the UNAIDS Global Advisory Group

    Hey there! 🌟 I wanted to share some exciting and important news with you all. In May 2023, I was invited to join the UNAIDS Global Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 Targets. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a member of this incredible team. As an HIV-positive gay activist from Pakistan, I know firsthand the challenges and stigma that come with living with HIV. This opportunity has been a powerful way for me to advocate for our community on a global stage.

    Why My Representation Matters:

    The 30-80-60 Targets are part of the 2021 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS. These targets aim to prevent millions of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by 2030. They specifically call for community-led organizations to deliver:

    1. 30% of testing and treatment services.

    2. 80% of HIV prevention services for high-risk populations.

    3. 60% of programs to support societal enablers, reducing stigma, punitive laws, and gender-based violence.

    Community-led organizations, like the ones I work with, play a critical role in achieving these targets. Our unique experiences, perspectives, and voices are essential in shaping effective strategies. We’re self-determined and autonomous, free from external influences, which allows us to truly represent and be accountable to our communities.

    My Role and Contributions:

    During our first meeting on May 10th, 2023, we discussed the development of a robust monitoring framework for these targets. We explored existing data collection and reporting mechanisms and identified opportunities to strengthen them. This is crucial because there’s currently no standardized system to track progress towards these targets.

    Serving on this advisory group has been a humbling and empowering experience. It’s a reminder that our voices matter and that we can drive meaningful change. By representing young HIV-positive gay individuals and sex workers from Pakistan and the EMRO region, I’m committed to ensuring our needs and challenges are addressed.

    As we move forward, our collaborative efforts will be instrumental in shaping a monitoring framework that drives positive change in the global fight against HIV. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where everyone has access to the care, support, and dignity they deserve.

    Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates! 🌍❤️

    Read more about 2025 targets and 30-80-60 targets on UNAIDS site Here: https://crossroads.unaids.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GAU-2024-Annex-1-En.pdf

  • First Meeting of the UNAIDS Global Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 Targets: A Robust Start

    First Meeting of the UNAIDS Global Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 Targets: A Robust Start

    On May 10th, 2023, the UNAIDS Global Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 Targets convened for their first meeting. This group, composed of global stakeholders dedicated to advancing the fight against HIV, gathered to discuss the development of a monitoring framework for the ambitious 30-80-60 targets set in the 2021 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS. The meeting brought together diverse voices, including Ali Raza Khan, an HIV-positive gay activist from Pakistan, who represents young HIV-positive gay individuals and sex workers from the EMRO region. The meeting began with opening remarks from key UNAIDS representatives, highlighting the importance of the 30-80-60 targets. The targets aim to prevent 3.6 million new HIV infections and 1.7 million AIDS-related deaths by 2030 through community-led efforts.

    Overview of the 30-80-60 Targets:

    1. 30 per cent of testing and treatment services, focusing on HIV testing, linkage to treatment, adherence, retention support, and treatment literacy.

    2. 80 per cent of HIV prevention services for populations at high risk of infection, including women within those populations.

    3. 60 per cent of programs supporting societal enablers to reduce stigma, discrimination, punitive laws, and gender-based violence.

    The advisory group discussed the need for a robust monitoring framework to track progress towards the 30-80-60 targets. Existing data collection and reporting mechanisms used by community-led organizations were explored. Ideas to strengthen and build on these mechanisms to inform national and global monitoring were shared. The group expressed the need for more discussion and engagement to ensure everyone is on the same page. Participants were encouraged to provide feedback and suggest amendments to the proposed process for developing the monitoring framework. The importance of agreeing on principles and critical success factors to ensure the framework’s effectiveness was highlighted.

    Conclusion: The first meeting of the UNAIDS Global Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 Targets set a strong foundation for future efforts. The diverse perspectives and insights shared by members, including Ali Raza Khan, emphasized the importance of inclusive and community-led approaches to achieve the ambitious 2025 targets. As the group moves forward, their collaborative efforts will be instrumental in shaping a monitoring framework that drives meaningful change in the global fight against HIV. 🌍❤️

    Read more about 2025 targets and 30-80-60 targets on UNAIDS site Here: https://crossroads.unaids.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GAU-2024-Annex-1-En.pdf

  • Ali Raza Khan Joins UNAIDS Global Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 Targets

    Ali Raza Khan Joins UNAIDS Global Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 Targets

    Ali Raza Khan, an HIV-positive gay activist from Pakistan, has been invited to join the UNAIDS Global Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 Targets. This esteemed group comprises global stakeholders dedicated to advancing the fight against HIV. Ali’s involvement marks a significant step towards ensuring the voices of young HIV-positive gay individuals and sex workers from Pakistan and the EMRO region are heard and represented in global HIV initiatives.

    Background on the 30-80-60 Targets:

    The 2021 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS, adopted by United Nations Member States, set forth ambitious targets to be achieved by 2025. The goals are to prevent 3.6 million new HIV infections and 1.7 million AIDS-related deaths by 2030. Three specific targets emphasize the role of community-led organizations in delivering HIV-related services:

    1. 30 per cent of testing and treatment services, focusing on HIV testing, linkage to treatment, adherence, retention support, and treatment literacy.

    2. 80 per cent of HIV prevention services for populations at high risk of infection, including women within those populations.

    3. 60 per cent of programs supporting societal enablers to reduce stigma, discrimination, punitive laws, and gender-based violence.

    Community-led organizations are pivotal in the HIV response, reflecting the experiences, perspectives, and voices of their constituencies. These organizations operate independently of government, commercial, or donor influences, ensuring they are truly representative and accountable to their communities.

    Ali Raza Khan brings a wealth of experience and passion to the advisory group.

    As the founder of Pride Pakistan and an advocate for HIV-positive gay individuals and sex workers, Ali’s insights are invaluable. His participation underscores the importance of including marginalized voices in global health strategies. The advisory group aims to develop a robust monitoring framework for the 30-80-60 targets. This involves exploring existing data collection and reporting mechanisms used by community-led organizations and identifying opportunities to strengthen them. Ali’s involvement will ensure that the unique challenges and needs of key populations are considered in the framework. Ali’s membership in the advisory group highlights the recognition of the crucial role that young HIV-positive gay activists play in the global HIV response. His advocacy efforts will contribute to the development of effective strategies to achieve the 30-80-60 targets and improve the lives of those affected by HIV. Ali Raza Khan’s inclusion in the UNAIDS Global Advisory Group on Monitoring the 30-80-60 Targets is a testament to his dedication and leadership in the fight against HIV. His unique perspective and experience will be instrumental in shaping the future of HIV prevention, treatment, and support services. 🌍❤️

    Read more about 2025 targets and 30-80-60 targets on UNAIDS site Here: https://crossroads.unaids.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GAU-2024-Annex-1-En.pdf

  • Communities Delegation to the Global Fund Board appoints Mr Ali Raza Khan as Alternate Board Member

    Communities Delegation to the Global Fund Board appoints Mr Ali Raza Khan as Alternate Board Member

    Tuesday, 25th January 2022
    The Communities Delegation of people living with and affected by HIV, TB and malaria (Communities Delegation) to the Global Fund Board has the pleasure to announce the appointment of Mr Javier Hourcade as the Board Member and Mr Ali Raza Khan as the Alternate Board Member. The constituency confirmed and welcomed the new leadership during its online retreat in December 2021. Javier and Ali will serve a two-year term until January 2024.
    Mr Ali Raza Khan is a young PLHIV activist from Multan, Pakistan, working for his community since 2015, focused on HIV prevention, SRHR and peace. Over the past few years, he has worked with numerous local, national & international organisations for the rights of young PLHIVs and KPs. He is currently leading an initiative in Pakistan focusing on young vulnerable key populations and PLHIVs. Ali is a laureate of the HIV HERO Award 2021 by APCOM for his effort and work around HIV and PLHIVs. A new member from the Communities Delegation, at only 29 years old, Ali is the delegation’s first youth member to serve in the leadership and has consistently shown a keen interest to learn and an immense commitment to amplifying the voices of communities at the Global Fund Board.
    We want to take the opportunity to express our deepest gratitude and admiration for our outgoing Board Member Erika Castellanos. Erika joined the Communities Delegation in 2015 and has since demonstrated an aptitude and appetite to transform and strengthen the representation of communities at the Board level. Natural from Belize, in Central America, Erika served as Alternate Board Member from 2018 to 2020. In December 2020, she became the first transgender woman to ever serve as a Board Member of the Global Fund. Erika’s integrity and unapologetic and skilful leadership have led the delegation through decisive moments. More recently, it has guaranteed that our constituency had a prominent role in shaping the next Strategy.

    We thank Erika immensely for the legacy she leaves as a role model of governance official, and we are delighted to retain her as a member of the delegation’s Advisory Working Group (AWG). Erika continued the outstanding leadership from Ms Maurine Murenga, former Communities Delegation Board Member, from 2018 to 2020, and current member of the AWG as well, whom we want to acknowledge for her equally solid and continued commitment to the Communities Delegation.

    We also thank Olivia Ngou, our outgoing Alternate Board Member, for her efforts and time dedicated to the delegation. A long-time malaria champion, Olivia added the voices of malaria activists to our discussions, ensuring that their priorities were also well captured in our positions. Born in Cameroon, she focused on connecting the delegation with francophone communities and strengthening our relationship with francophone partners. As a member of the AWG and co-lead of our Strategy Committee working group, we also thank her for her diligence and support with internal affairs and many valuable contributions throughout the new Strategy development process.

    The Communities Delegation is looking ahead to a pivotal year in the Global Fund’s new Strategy development process and we look forward to engaging with you in 2022.

    About the Communities Delegation:

    The Communities Delegation of people living with and affected by HIV, TB and malaria (Communities Delegation) is one of three civil society constituencies on the Global Fund Board. It has a unique role in leveraging the lived experiences of HIV, TB and Malaria and bringing a human face to the realities of the three diseases. The Communities Delegation is committed to ensuring human rights and gender equality in programmes, with particular attention to key and vulnerable, marginalised, criminalised and stigmatised populations. The delegation engages with its communities and influences decisions with the ultimate aim of ensuring the best equitable and sustainable access to prevention, treatment, care and support services for the three diseases.

    Read the article on global network of people living with HIV GNP Plus website : https://gnpplus.net/latest/news/communities-delegation-to-the-global-fund-board-appoints-new-board-member-and-alternate-board-member/

    Read more on Communities Delegation website:

    https://communitiesdelegation.org/about

  • Eamonn Murphy’s Testimony for Ali Raza Khan

    Eamonn Murphy’s Testimony for Ali Raza Khan

    In a heartfelt testimony during a UN high-level meeting debrief for young people living with HIV and young key populations, Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS Director for Regional Support Teams for Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe and Central Asia regions, extended his appreciation for Ali Raza Khan’s remarkable activism.

    Ali Raza Khan, a HIV positive gay activist, has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of men having sex with men, gay people, sex workers, and other HIV key populations in Pakistan and globally. His tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning him the respect and admiration of leaders and organizations worldwide.

    “People like Ali Raza Khan who made statements in this global momentum that started at country and built up by putting his statements and voices out there so it’s really important,” Murphy remarked. These words encapsulate the essence of Khan’s contribution to the global fight against HIV and the broader struggle for human rights.

    Ali Raza Khan’s activism is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating a platform for the voiceless and ensuring that the challenges faced by HIV key populations are brought to the forefront of global discussions. His work highlights the intersection of health, human rights, and social justice, making him a pivotal figure in the movement.

    Through his own initiatives and support of Youth LEAD Asia Pacific YKP network, YPlus Global, and collaborations with the UNAIDS office, Khan continues to push for systemic change and equitable treatment for marginalized communities. His unwavering commitment and impactful actions inspire many to join the fight for a world where every individual, regardless of their HIV status or social identity, can live with dignity and respect.

    Regional Director UNAIDS Appreciating Ali Raza Khan efforts of raising Voices for people living with HIV and young key populations including men having sex with men and gays

    This testimony by Eamonn Murphy stands as a testament to Ali Raza Khan’s extraordinary work and the vital role he plays in the ongoing struggle for HIV awareness and rights advocacy. His journey is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the face of adversity, and his voice remains a beacon of hope and resilience for many.

    Watch the whole sesssion online Youth Lead Asia Pacific YKP facebook page or UNAIDS youtube channel below

  • THE DAY I WAS DIGNOSED HIV AND STARTED MY ARV TREATMENT

    THE DAY I WAS DIGNOSED HIV AND STARTED MY ARV TREATMENT

    19th April 2019: THE DAY I WAS DIGNOSED HIV AND STARTED MY ARV TREATMENT

    Hi, I’m Raza, a young non-binary from Pakistan. I have completed my post-graduation and planning for a PhD from a PLHIV friendly country because I am from the YPLHIV community and I’m not shy to tell that however It wasn’t always like that.

    There were bad times when I was not well mentally and physically. I remember that it was a kind of normal thing for my family to take me to emergency because of high fever even after getting medications. Sometimes it disappears for a few days and sometimes for months. It was not just the fever there were also other complications like bloody diarrhea. I was afraid of eating or going to the toilet as medications were not helping for long.

    I remember the day I was diagnosed with HIV in April 2019. I wasn’t afraid of it at first until I witnessed a 15-year-old young boy dying of AIDS in the HIV/AIDS department of the hospital during my first visit to get ARVS. His body was dark, dried and lean on a bench 3 feet to where I was sitting. I did not want my life to end up like that nor the lives of other young people. The death of this boy can be prevented if diagnosed and treated on time with support of the community. I spent months thinking from where I might have contracted HIV but never got the answer. Thinking about that was a burden on mental health as there were multiple instances where I might have contracted it so I left thinking about it.

    I came to know after 4 months that my ARV formula wasn’t working because of high viral load in my reports. These were the days when I told about my status to my close ones. Unlike my expectations they were supportive. Here in my city it takes almost a month to get viral load results as the ART center sends blood samples to the capital city and reports come back after 15 to 30 days. I don’t like these delays not only for my own but also for other YPLHIV for whom this time can be critical. I still have marks of blisters I got on my body due to high viral load and reaction of my 2nd ARV formula which I have to leave after a week. This was the time I needed support from my family and friends and so I got unlike other YPLHIV people who ask for support on online support groups. Becoming part of online PLHIV community groups gave me deep insight of how difficult it is for PLHIV especially young people to get support. I tried my best to support other YPLHIV by talking to them using online platforms.

    Most people believe that people living with HIV just have to take one tablet a day but that’s not true as I have to take six tablets a day 3 in morning and 3 In evening. This is the 3rd ARV formula. I have been taking this for more than 9 months. It seems to be working as I have gained my lost weight and there are no more complications. However, I’m not sure because the viral load test report can prove that but in this COVID-19 situation ART center delayed my viral load test which they were supposed to take after six months. Now after situation came back to normal I was able to receive viral load test and got my report with undetectable viral load. I’m happy and so want others YPLHIV members to stay happy by achieving undetectable.

    I had worked part time as a SRHR young advocate before knowing my status but devoted my full time and changed my field of work after knowing my status. As my previous workplace didn’t have a friendly environment for people with special needs. Now I’m working for HIV/AIDS prevention in my town. I’m working in a community-based organization openly as PLHIV to contribute my part to stop new HIV cases among young people. I openly talk about HIV and AIDS and how we can end discrimination and stigma associated with PLHIV on which many SRHR activists also feel shied to talk. I believe my open discussion can help directly or indirectly to prevent a new HIV case. As the 1st day on my ARV I made my mind to work to prevent any other young people from dying of this preventable disease I started to make my work more sustainable by using online digital and social media for advocacy of HIV/AIDS among young people. I’m writing blogs and starting conversations among young groups as it may prevent a death in future as close as 3 feet to me.

    The original article was posted on Live Now Togteher campaign page

    Read the blog on LiveNowTogther.com here

  • I AM NOT MORE SHY TO TELL AND SPEAK ABOUT MY HIV STATUS AND JOURNEY

    I AM NOT MORE SHY TO TELL AND SPEAK ABOUT MY HIV STATUS AND JOURNEY

    Hi, I’m Ali Raza Khan 27 years old young boy from Pakistan. I am from PLHIV community and I’m not shied to tell that however It wasn’t always like that.

    There were bad times when I was not well mentally and physically. I remember that it was a kind of normal thing for my family to take me to emergency because of high fever even after getting medications. Sometimes it disappears for few days and sometimes for months. It was not just the fever there were also other complications like bloody diarrhea. I was afraid of eating or going to toilet as medications were not helping for long.

    I remember the day I was diagnosed HIV. I wasn’t afraid of it at start until I witnessed a 15-year-old young boy dying of AIDS in HIV/AIDS department of the hospital during my first visit to get ARVS. His body was dark, dried and lean on a bench 3 feet to where I was sitting. I did not want my life to end up like that nor the lives of other young people. The death of this boy can be prevented if diagnosed and treated on time with support of community.

    I came to know after 4 months that my ARV formula wasn’t working because of high viral load in my reports. These were the days when I told about my status to my close ones. Unlike my expectations they were supportive. Here in my city it takes almost a month to get viral load results as ART center send blood sample to capital city and reports comes back after 15 to 30 days. I don’t like these delays not only for my own but also for other PLHIV for whom this time can be critical. I still have marks of blisters I got on my body due to high viral load and reaction of my 2nd ARV formula which I have to leave after a week. This was the time I needed support from my family and friends and so I got unlike other PLHIV people which beg for support on online support group. Becoming part of online PLHIV community groups gave me deep insight of how difficult it is for PLHIV especially young people to get support. I tried my best to support other PLHIV by talking to them using online platforms.

    Most people believe that people living with HIV just have to take one tablet a day but that’s not true as I have to take six tablets a day 3 in morning and 3 In evening. This is 3rd ARV formula. I have been taking this for almost 9 months. It seems to be working as I have gained my lost weight and there are no more complications. However, I’m not sure because viral load test report can prove that but in this COVID-19 situation ART center delayed my viral load test which they were supposed to take after six months.

    I had worked part time as SRHR young advocate before knowing my status but devoted my full time and changed my field of work after knowing my status. As my previous workplace didn’t had friendly environment for people with special needs. Now I’m working for HIV/AIDS prevention in my town of Multan. I’m working in a community-based organization openly as PLHIV to contribute my part to stop new HIV cases among young people. I openly talk about HIV and AIDS and how we can end discrimination and stigma associated with PLHIV on which many SRHR activists also feel shied to talk. I believe my open discussion can help directly or indirectly to prevent a new HIV case. As the 1st day on my ARV I made my mind to work to prevent any other young people die of this preventable disease I started to make my work more sustainable by using online digital and social media for advocacy of HIV/AIDS among young people. I’m writing blogs and starting conversations among young groups as it may can prevent a death in future as close as 3 feet to me.

  • Diary of my HIV AIDS Positive Friend

    Diary of my HIV AIDS Positive Friend

    I try to not think about when it happened from where it happened. Because whenever I think about that I am clueless and confused. Either it infected me a month ago, 3 months ago or 3 years ago. Either from some infected equipment or unprotected contact.

    What now I just think about is to keep my self healthy to fight this bug. I try not to deviate from my dreams, career and plans about future. As it will be more confused situation for me. I’m keeping my daily routine as it was before I came to know about HIV infection. I’m very much successful and hopping to to succeed in this fight between my future plans and this bug. I won’t say it’s a complete normal life as it was before as it affected my life for now to small extent.

    The above text is my story but had to cover it as friend because of the fear of stigma and discrimination in Pakistan back in 2019

    Read it on my Medium blog site Here

  • Youth Activism on World AIDS Day 2016 : Ali Raza Khan’s Message of Awareness

    Youth Activism on World AIDS Day 2016 : Ali Raza Khan’s Message of Awareness

    On World AIDS Day 2016, the Hamqadam Youth Participation for Empowerment (HYPE) team in Multan came together to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. With the support of Rutgers WPF Pakistan, this passionate group of young activists aimed to educate their community and combat the stigma associated with HIV. Among them was Ali Raza Khan, a 24-year-old youth activist and member of the Rutgers ASK youth alliance. Holding a playcard with a powerful message, Ali emphasized the importance of safe sex practices and the use of condoms for a healthy life.


    • The HYPE Multan team organized a special event on World AIDS Day to engage the local community.
    • Their goal was to spread awareness about HIV prevention, encourage safe practices, and challenge misconceptions.
    • Ali Raza Khan, a dedicated youth activist, played a central role in the event.
    • As a member of the Rutgers ASK youth alliance, he understood the urgency of addressing HIV-related issues.
    • The Playcard Message: “AIDS is no joke, wrap before you poke”
    • Ali held a playcard with this impactful message.
    • The phrase cleverly combined humor with a serious reminder: practicing safe sex is essential to prevent HIV transmission.
    • By advocating for condom use, Ali aimed to empower individuals to make informed choices.
      • The entire team participated actively, each holding their own playcard.
      • Their messages included:
        • “Spread the knowledge, not the virus”: Encouraging education and awareness.
        • “Be aware, take care”: Highlighting the importance of self-care and health.
        • “People with HIV positive are still stigmatized”: Addressing the harmful stereotypes surrounding HIV.
        • “Let’s aid each other to combat AIDS”: Promoting solidarity and support.
        • Through their creative and eye-catching playcards, the HYPE Multan team captured attention.
        • Passersby, community members, and social media audiences took notice and engaged in conversations.
        • Ali’s message resonated with many, emphasizing that safe sex practices are not only responsible but also contribute to overall well-being.

    Ali Raza Khan and the HYPE Multan team demonstrated the power of youth activism on World AIDS Day 2016. By boldly addressing HIV prevention and stigma, they paved the way for open dialogue and positive change. Their playcards served as visual reminders that small actions—like using condoms—can make a significant difference in the fight against AIDS. 🌟🔴🌍