Meet Ricardo from Portugal. At the age of 23, he took the courageous step of getting tested for HIV, and unfortunately, the results came back positive. Undeterred, Ricardo promptly engaged with his dedicated HIV care team to initiate a comprehensive follow-up plan.

Opening up about his diagnosis to a circle of close friends, Ricardo faced a challenging response—minimal support from those he had expected to rely on. Undeterred by this setback, Ricardo took the initiative to seek out self-help groups. In these supportive communities, he found solace, understanding, and valuable education about living with HIV.

Ricardo’s journey reflects not only his resilience in the face of a significant life challenge but also highlights the importance of accessible support networks and reliable information for individuals navigating an HIV diagnosis. As he navigates this path, Ricardo embodies the spirit of self-empowerment and determination, illustrating the transformative impact that community and knowledge can have on one’s journey with HIV.

In addition to his journey, Ricardo Fernandes has been actively working in the HIV field for more than a decade. Armed with a Modern Languages and Literature degree from the Faculty of Arts, University of Lisbon, he has contributed significantly to several Portuguese NGOs in the HIV field since 2000, primarily in project and service coordination. Ricardo has played a pivotal role in organising numerous conferences in Portugal. He has co-authored studies and articles focusing on stigma, diagnosis, and late presentation in the context of HIV. Currently serving as the Chair of the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) Board of Directors and the Executive Director of GAT – Portuguese Group Treatment Activist on HIV / AIDS (GAT), Ricardo continues to be a driving force in advocating for and improving the lives of those affected by HIV.