What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Lena. I’m from South Africa

When did you join the ACTG? 

2015

Why did you get involved with the ACTG, and what are some of the things you’ve done as a member?

I was invited to a CAB meeting. I got involved with the ACTG after that, and started to tell my community about studies. Most of them didn’t know about the different ACTG studies. 

Describe your community.

My community is very uneducated and poor. But I go out there because they need to be enlightened about what can be done for them. I also go with my fellow CAB members to local clinics and day hospitals. We do role playing there so that people can understand things better. 

What are the most important treatment issues to your community?

I think it’s all the complications of ARV medications, because most of the time that’s what people complain about. Also TB is a big issue. 

How do you want your work in the ACTG to be remembered?

They must remember me by going on with community work, just continuing to get the message out there.

What are your future hopes for the ACTG and HIV research?

My future hope is that they find a cure.