Health and Wellbeing
Honouree
Sarmad Muhammad Soomar
Pakistan
I am a Registered Nurse, with a degree in Nursing and Healthcare Policy, and one of the very few healthcare providers in Pakistan who work on the wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ population in Pakistan and their Healthcare access, especially related to Transgender and nonbinary Youth living with HIV. I conduct research on healthcare access, PrEP and PEP, HIV testing and education and the barriers related to legal and policy matters associated with health and wellbeing of the communities in Pakistan. For growth of positive leadership and information sharing, as a Faculty I also teaches the upcoming generation of healthcare staff about HIV, PrEP, PEP and ART so that in future the world and the country Pakistan will have a good number of skilled staff in the field of HIV healthcare.
Personal Social media links:
- https://www.facebook.com/SoomarSarmad
- twitter.com/sarmadranani
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarmad-m-soomar-
- https://www.instagram.com/redpen_blackpen/
Tell us about your work
I am currently a Senior Instructor of Public Health, at the School of Nursing & Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Pakistan and I am interested in education, research and community practice pertaining to issues of gender mainstreaming, gender and sexuall diverse person’s healthcare and HIV education and testing. I work with nurses primarily, and other healthcare staff including community educators, physicians, counsellors and outreach workers from the community to train them for safe healthcare services and evidenced based advocacy related to HIV. Through my work on campaigns associated with painting and arts (#YouthforHIV), I run high level community advocacy exercises which resulted in enhanced services of testing and referral for young trans and non-binary folks. I am also sensitizing healthcare workers and professionals to develop and practice safe, open and non judgmental attitudes towards PLHIV and LGBT community so they can have better experiences.
What one achievement you’ve accomplished that you’re most proud of? Why?
Through my work of using art and paintings during the campaign #YouthforHIV I was able to run high level community advocacy exercises which resulted in enhanced services of testing and referral for young trans and non-binary folks. This was not only an inspiring moment for people from the community but from the healthcare setup as well. The burden of stigma is lowering with this campaign and a positive disruption is created in the country in the field of HIV healthcare access.
What do you find most challenging about your work? Why?
People think HIV is not a challenge for Pakistan or it is an issue which doesn’t exist in Pakistan. Telling them how HIV healthcare access is important for many young people especially the trans and non binary persons. Advocating to eradicate false beliefs associated with HIV healthcare is a challenge but now we are controlling it.
What do you do to recharge your battery?
I dance, I sing (even though I don’t know how to do it), I go out from the zone which decreases my battery, I walk and meet friends, I love to visit people whom I work with or the places where I practice, all of these help me feel better and I recharge my battery. Art is also a space where I become a different person and regain my energy…. Sometimes shopping also!
What is your vulnerability and how do you overcome it?
When people don’t trust me despite my 100% honesty – it’s the most sensitive time to face! I overcame this by talking to my mom, she is the best person to share everything!
You have been nominated for the Health and Wellbeing category. What was your reaction and please, tell us why?
I am thrilled, and I am excited, I can’t believe someone trusted me and supported my nomination. I am so grateful and I pray I succeed so I can help them better. In Pakistan this recognition will help me to work more effectively for the communities who are working hard for young people, health and wellbeing domain particularly in HIV.
What is a warm/hopeful message that you would like to share with the communities in the Asia Pacific?
I would like to tell them to be yourself and don’t fear the vulnerabilities in life, whatever they are, they can be resolved when you come to us and talk. We are here to be with you, to support you and to help you with any judgments… Trust yourself and trust the power of nature!
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