Taiwo Oyelakin

Taiwo was tragically killed in an accident in 2014. He was an advocate for the rights of young people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS with a special focus on the rights and dignity of those who are most marginalized. He provided technical support in the formation of the first network of young people living with HIV (YPLHIV network in Nigeria, APYIN). He also helped in the founding of Youths and Adolescents Network on Population and Development in Africa (AFRIYAN) and the Network of Young People Living with HIV in Africa (AY+N). Taiwo was also the co-chair of the Global Network of people living with HIV Y+ Leadership Initiative.

Fellowship Focus
Taiwo's advocacy focused on optimizing the benefits of ARVs for both treatment and prevention and on ensuring that global treatment plans support and recognize individual human rights of PLHIV, including mothers considering Option B+. Taiwo was also among the first advocates to engage key stakeholders around the rollout of PrEP in Nigeria.

In Their Own Words
The successes we've seen over the last few years, including approval of Truvada for PrEP, could be game-changers in turning the tide against AIDS. I believe we can beat the disease, we can win this fight and we just have to keep at it, steadily, persistently today, tomorrow, every day until we get to zero.