Advocates Archive - T
[please choose the first initial of the Advocate's last name]
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Joan Tallada
Barcelona, Spain
Joan advocates for rectal microbicides because it gives him an opportunity to promote placing, and/or replacing, pleasure and desire at the center of the HIV prevention discussion. He sees the importance of developing a widely available rectal microbicide because the necessary condom-based prevention efforts have shown a limited impact. Human sexuality is extremely complex but Joan believes that rectal microbicides will “offer a harm reduction approach for millions of people who want to have sex the way they want.” People have risky sex because they find it pleasant, more pleasant than safe sex. For some people, no prevention program will change their behavior but rectal microbicides might allow for an additional or alternative form of protection.
Joan’s other interests include engaging in politics aimed at removing social, cultural, and economic obstacles so that self-determination can fully develop. He is also a strong believer and supporter of personal autonomy and works in accompanying people in their decision making processes. Joan spends the rest of his free time with his partner, reading, and seeing the opera.
[posted February 2008]
Roger Tatoud, PhD
London, United Kingdom
IRMA Steering Committee Member
Senior Programme Manager of the International HIV Clinical Trials Research Management Office at Imperial College, London, Roger Tatoud has a very international background. He was born in France in the Olympic city of Grenoble in the French Alps, studied in France, worked as a Biology teacher in Morocco and went on a long sabbatical to South East Asia.
Having a PhD in life science, Roger has worked on a variety of health issues in France and in the
United Kingdom. However, HIV and its impact on society and people remain a passion of his. He is particularly interested in comprehensive HIV prevention that offers several options. In this regard, he considers microbicides an invaluable tool as they are “less politically and emotionally charged than condom use and distribution and could offer a more attractive prevention option for many vulnerable groups.”
Roger’s fascination with the potential of microbicides led him to join IRMA. For him “advocating
awareness is a priority” and that is exactly what IRMA does by working closely with a broad range of international activists, organizations, and media outlets that are in direct contact with
potential microbicide users.
A scientist, community worker, HIV activist and programme manager, Roger spends his free time volunteering for two charities, one involved in HIV prevention (GMFA), and the other providing nutritional support to PLWHA (The Food Chain). In the rare event when he doesn’t have to work, Roger enjoys writing, travelling, photography, and online gaming. In short, anything that brings him in contact with people.
[Posted April 2009]
Martha Tholanah
Harare, Zimbabwe
Martha Tholanah is a program officer, advocacy advisor, and family therapist in Zimbabwe. Through sharing information on HIV prevention and treatment with activists, Martha advocates for the development of rectal microbicides. IRMA caught her attention because it serves as a source of information that is not widely provided anywhere else.
Working extensively with the LGBTI community in Zimbabwe, Martha witnesses the urgent need for more prevention methods and options. Her experience as a family therapist has made her more aware of the number of people, including those in heterosexual relationships, who engage in anal sex. Martha thinks HIV/AIDS advocates must reach out specifically to those who have anal sex because “there is not much information on the risks involved in anal sex, and prevention messages simply ignore this. That means talk of universal access is empty talk as we do not address all the aspects that impact responses to HIV.”
Aside from rectal microbicide work, Martha is also interested in gaining access to comprehensive health services for all.
[posted March 2008]
