I Am AHF – Viviana Vargas: Leading With Purpose

In Eblast by Brian Shepherd

Viviana Vargas is AHF Colombia’s Regional Coordinator. Her story is next in our “I Am AHF” series featuring remarkable staff, clients, and partners who are doing what’s right to save lives everyday.

Since joining the organization in 2013, Viviana Vargas has been a driving force in expanding AHF’s impact in Valledupar, Colombia. As AHF Colombia’s Regional Coordinator for Rapid Testing and Linkage Programs, she leads collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and local leaders to deliver stigma-free, trusted HIV testing, care, and support. Her leadership has strengthened patient follow-up systems and introduced innovative strategies to bring services closer to vulnerable populations. Beyond managing programs, Viviana emphasizes empathy and trust, ensuring that each individual feels supported and understood. Her dedication highlights the profound difference that committed leadership can make in public health 

What experience or influences led you to pursue a professional career in HIV/AIDS care?
During my professional training as a bacterióloga (Clinical Laboratory Scientist specializing in microbiology), I only understood diagnosis and results from the lab perspective without patient contact. When I joined the local Health Department of Valledupar in 2013, I began working as the lead for sexual and reproductive health. There, I was assigned the HIV/AIDS and STI component, which required direct patient interaction. I performed duties aligned with guidelines from Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection to uphold the rights and responsibilities of those with this diagnosis. This experience allowed me to witness patients’ social, familial, and overall circumstances—which deeply impacted me and sparked my desire to deepen my knowledge of these situations. 

What motivated you to join AHF?
As I became involved in patient care, I gradually educated myself further on aspects of HIV/AIDS diagnosis. While working at Valledupar’s Health Department, I encountered migrants living with this diagnosis. Facing limitations in providing them with adequate support, I began researching alternatives to improve their quality of life. That’s when I discovered AHF. Its mission and values—empowering leaders to implement strategies for underserved communities—resonated deeply. Today, being part of AHF enriches me personally, and through its support, we deliver solutions that ensure quality care and better lives for our clients. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your work at AHF?
Undoubtedly, serving the community. Providing help brings profound personal and professional fulfillment. Supporting clients through emotional, social, and familial burdens—especially when confronting healthcare system barriers or stigma after diagnosis—is the most gratifying aspect of my work. 

What is your role in the organization, and what are your main responsibilities?
I am AHF Colombia’s Regional Project Coordinator for Rapid Testing and Linkage Programs. I oversee the timely and structured management of regional prevention initiatives, ensure effective linkage to medical care, and coordinate rapid testing efforts — all aligned with national and global organizational goals and strategies. 

How does your work contribute to AHF’s mission?
As Regional Coordinator, my duties—prevention, detection, linkage, and medical care—directly align with AHF’s mission. Prevention and reliable testing are foundational pillars of AHF’s work, and my role operationalizes these goals. 

Do you have a personal experience or story that strengthens your commitment to HIV/AIDS care?
Three impactful cases have significantly shaped my interpersonal skills. The first involved a pregnant woman and her partner, who both tested positive for HIV; later, their one-year-old daughter was also diagnosed. The emotional toll on the family was immense, especially for the father, who struggled with guilt and vulnerability. I provided compassionate guidance to help them process the diagnosis, fostering acceptance and adherence to treatment. 

In the second case, Gladys—a migrant—joined AHF in 2022 after being discharged from the ICU for severe COVID. She gave birth to a healthy baby at six months, but was battling extreme malnutrition. With ongoing support from our comprehensive care program, her health improved dramatically over time. 

The third case involved a local man who needed an HIV screening to begin chemotherapy. When his result came back positive, we linked him to appropriate care. What struck me most was his silence about the diagnosis—while he shared his cancer journey publicly, he kept his HIV status hidden due to stigma. 

These experiences reflect the deep social barriers that still surround HIV—and the importance of meeting each case with empathy, discretion, and unwavering support. 

If you could send a message to the world about HIV/AIDS, what would it be?
We must recognize the harm caused by a lack of empathy. Combating HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination is essential so people can access healthcare and social support without fear. 

What challenges have you faced in your role, and how did you address them?
One major challenge has been the limited knowledge among healthcare workers regarding HIV care. To address this, we formed alliances with partner organizations to deliver targeted education on antiretroviral treatment, patient management, and effective pre- and post-test counseling. Another persistent challenge is the stigma rooted in conservative and traditional beliefs. During community outreach activities, we focus on dispelling myths and providing accurate information about HIV/AIDS to help shift negative perceptions and foster greater understanding. 

 

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