Panel discussion - How can stronger mental health services improve access to HIV services and reduce self-stigma?

I am 35 years old Randy Santos. I grew up in a rural village and, from the age of 15, became actively involved in civil society initiatives focused on supporting marginalized populations, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, at-risk youth, and individuals living with HIV.
Over the years, I played a hands-on role in developing and implementing strategies aimed at improving access to resources, education, and support services for these groups. My work has included both field-based education and leadership at the organizational level, where I contributed to program design and community outreach efforts.
While I have since stepped back to pursue personal ventures, I have remained connected to this work. I am now interested in leveraging my experience and skills as a field educator and director to support conferences, particularly in areas such as program development, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement.

Nurse Ines Cano is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in Belize's public healthcare system. She specializes in mental health care, counselling, with a strong focus on patient support, suicide prevention, and stigma reduction. Her work includes collaboration across the different departments at the Hospital level and community services to strengthen access to care. She is also engaged in strengthening the integration of mental health within HIV care and other public health services.