Dr. Ma Ping is AHF China’s Site Director and Medical Mentor. 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.
When I was young, my dearest uncle passed away from hepatitis. Back then, there was no cure. All we could do was watch him fade away, helpless and heartbroken. His last words, “Grow up well,” became my lifelong pain.
That loss planted a seed in me: I must become a doctor. I vowed to master medicine so no family would ever feel that same helplessness again. Years later, I entered medical school. While others pursued more popular specialties, I chose infectious diseases — a field many fear and misunderstand.
I could not save my uncle, but I can fight for others. I want to bring hope to those living with HIV/AIDS, so no more families endure the grief I once knew.
I joined AHF because I was drawn to its clear and unwavering vision and mission. They not only fight for equitable healthcare but also continue influencing public health efforts in the regions they serve.
I do not just want to help patients with my own limited strength; I want to influence my team and those around me so we can work together to make a broader impact. This is what made me determined to join AHF.
I currently serve as Site Director and Medical Mentor. I am responsible for the overall operation of my local site, ensuring programs promote early detection and treatment of STIs and that our centers provide stigma-free, inclusive care.
I also help build a national medical training system by organizing regular online training sessions and complex case discussions for healthcare workers and community staff members across AHF sites, helping standardize care and strengthen professional capabilities. In addition, I support the national rollout of latent tuberculosis preventive treatment for people living with HIV to reduce co-infection risks and lead cervical cancer screening and early diagnosis programs for women living with HIV to improve long-term health outcomes.
The most satisfying part of my work is seeing our vision become reality through day-to-day efforts. Every service we deliver, every patient who improves, and every increase in public understanding proves how meaningful our mission is. The hospital where I work is the only HIV treatment center in Tianjin. Being able to contribute to and advance this work is the greatest reward I could ask for.
One patient I cared for was diagnosed with HIV and fell into extreme despair. Fear of death and the stigma surrounding the disease led him to quit his job, isolate himself, and lose hope. With a glimmer of hope, he came to our consultation room at the AHF Tianjin site.
Our medical staff believe that encouragement is also a form of treatment. We supported him day after day, patiently easing his psychological stress, helping him overcome stigma, and guiding him to take his medication on time and follow standardized treatment.
He gradually regained both his physical health and his confidence. Later, through his own hard work, he started a business and used his income to support another person living with HIV who was struggling financially, passing on the kindness he once received.
In the face of HIV/AIDS, no one is alone. Together, we can break barriers with understanding, act with kindness, honor our commitments with perseverance, and work toward a future free from HIV discrimination where everyone can live in good health.
As an HIV physician in a relatively conservative and aging northern Chinese city, I face three main challenges: social stigma, inconsistent treatment adherence, and limited community support.
Our team works to simplify treatment regimens, provide multidisciplinary care for patients with additional health conditions, and use WeChat to answer questions at any time—even evenings and holidays—to help retain clients in care. We also work with local health authorities to conduct community education, train general practitioners in HIV diagnosis and treatment, advocate for more inclusive policies, and support community doctors in their work.
Outside of work, I am an optimistic person who loves life. I enjoy reading, traveling, and sports. I hope to read thousands of books and travel thousands of miles, broadening my horizons and learning more about the world and the people in it. I especially enjoy playing tennis, which fills me with energy and reminds me to face challenges with strength and courage.
