Christoforos Mallouris' journey from humble beginnings in Cyprus to becoming a prominent global HIV advocate is a powerful story of personal transformation.
In his youth, Mallouris struggled with accepting his sexuality. "I couldn’t admit to myself that I was gay," shares Mallouris. The burden of self-stigma made it difficult for him to value his life: "In a way, I was homophobic towards myself and others."
At 29, while studying in Chicago, he was diagnosed with HIV. The diagnosis marked a pivotal moment in his life. "It changed how I understood myself, really forcing me to learn to value my life and accept who I am."
By the time he was diagnosed, he had already developed AIDS. Fortunately, Mallouris got support from his sister, who came to take care of him during his lowest moments.
Being HIV-positive in the United States as a foreign student presented its own set of challenges. "At the time, being HIV positive in the United States as a foreigner was illegal," Mallouris recalled, "so if the authorities found out, I would be deported." The fear of deportation hung over him as he was doing his PhD in astrophysics, but that fear also catalyzed his first act of activism.
Faced with health insurance that covered only two months of his costly HIV medication, Mallouris approached the Dean of Students at the University of Chicago. He boldly stated, "What are you going to do about it? I’m sure you don’t want this to go to the press." To his surprise, the Dean took immediate action, negotiating better health insurance coverage for all students with chronic illnesses.
As Mallouris’ health improved, he began to question his career path. Although he had completed his PhD in astrophysics, he no longer felt fulfilled enough by that field. He sought something that connected directly to being able to help people.
After securing a postdoctoral position at the Institute of Astrophysics in Paris, Mallouris found himself increasingly drawn to HIV work, so he started volunteering at a local NGO focused on HIV education and prevention for non-French speakers in Paris. It wasn’t long before he realized that this work was where his heart was.
He joined the Global Network of People Living with HIV, managing community empowerment programs in the HIV response. "I changed my career because of my HIV status," he said. "I wanted to do something that truly impacts lives."
Mallouris has had to overcome stigma and discrimination throughout his journey. Dating, for instance, was difficult. "There was a lot of rejection as soon as people found out I was HIV-positive," he shared. But despite the challenges, he found strength in the support of his friends, who have stood by him unconditionally. "I am lucky to have a strong network of support."
Mallouris joined UNAIDS in 2013, first as a Community Mobilization Advisor in Geneva and later as an Equality and Rights Advisor in Johannesburg. He describes UNAIDS as a supportive and inclusive workplace, where he feels valued for his skills and experience.
Mallouris highlights that the work to help secure treatment for people living with HIV is inseparable from the work to secure the recognition of people living with HIV as equal human beings. "Success in the HIV response depends on accepting all people, especially the most marginalized members of society.”
Mallouris is proud as he looks back, and hopeful as he looks ahead. He will always speak out for the rights of communities, even when—especially when—it isn’t popular.
HIV may have started as a burden in his life, but over time, it has become his strength, guiding him towards work that makes a profound difference, advancing a world where everyone is safe, has a place, and is welcome.
