Olimbi Hoxhaj’s journey is an extraordinary testament to resilience, advocacy, and an unyielding commitment to transforming lives in Albania. As the Executive Director of the Albanian Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Olimbi isn’t just a leader; she is a symbol of the fight against one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized conditions in her country, the Balkan Region and beyond. Her work extends far beyond traditional activism, reaching into the very fabric of Albanian society to make meaningful and lasting changes in the lives of those affected by HIV.
In a country where the HIV epidemic is still shrouded in fear and misunderstanding, Olimbi’s voice has become a beacon of hope. She has dedicated her life to dismantling the barriers that prevent early diagnosis and access to treatment, fully aware of the dire consequences of late-stage HIV detection, which remains a critical issue in Albania. Her efforts are focused on promoting earlier testing and ensuring that those diagnosed receive the life-saving treatment they need without delay.
Olimbi’s advocacy has garnered significant attention and results. She was instrumental in rallying four key Albanian cities, Kolonja, Durrës, Pogradec, and Shkodra, to commit to the ambitious goals of the Paris Declaration, aiming to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This initiative is deeply personal for Olimbi, as it goes beyond mere statistics; it’s about real people, real families, and shifting the narrative of HIV in Albania. The 95-95-95 targets she champions reflect her vision of a future where 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Olimbi’s work is driven by her personal experiences and the stories of those she fights for every day. Her leadership is not just about policy; it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that every individual living with HIV in Albania can lead a life of dignity, health, and hope. Through her tireless efforts, Olimbi Hoxhaj is not just changing policies; she’s changing lives.
In her own words, Olimbi poignantly describes the dual progress and ongoing challenges in the fight against HIV:
“It is not that the individual approaches have changed much, but the institutional approaches have changed. We have improved laws, improved strategies, and different programs. We have advanced in the institutional part but are continuing in the community part. Stigma and discrimination continue to be high. Even today, we have people who do not shake hands, hug, or stay in an environment with people living with HIV. I have felt and still feel discrimination today. I have experienced being shunned, denied, discriminated against, and left without a job. I have experienced it at all levels of stigma. I can say today that addressing stigma operates differently, as individuals are more empowered and better equipped to confront reactions rooted in the lack of information.”
This quote encapsulates the ongoing struggle against stigma and discrimination, highlighting both the progress and persisting challenges. Olimbi’s personal experiences of discrimination at all levels inspire her drive, motivation, passion, and commitment to ensure that those living with HIV are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Her job is not just about survival; it’s about thriving in the face of adversity.