In 2023, the Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. Each year, it is awarded to a selection of incredible people across Canada who have made a significant contribution to the nation or community. We are thrilled to announce that, this year, CTN+ Community Leadership Team & Knowledge Mobilization Co-Leads Muluba Habanyama and Enrico Mandarino were well-deserved recipients.
A word from the awardees
“Receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal is an incredible honour, and it reaffirms my unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to equitable, high-quality prevention, treatment, and care services,” said Enrico. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues, mentors, and community members who have supported, challenged, and inspired me throughout this journey. Their trust and collaboration have been instrumental in driving meaningful change, and this recognition strengthens my commitment to continue advocating for a more just and inclusive health care system.”
For Muluba, the award also symbolizes something deeply sentimental.
“I was born in England and my full name is Muluba Princess Habanyama — my mother chose Muluba, after her middle name, and my father chose Princess because I was his Princess of England,” she said. “My parents passed away when I was a teenager, but if they were here, I know they would be bragging to all their friends about me receiving this award. So, for me, this medal is in honour of them. They gave life to me. It feels like we’ve come full circle as a family with this new connection to the UK and the royals.”
Muluba and Enrico have been involved in HIV and STBBI research and advocacy for many years.
Muluba is a trained communications specialist and has been an international community activist, fighting for all people living with HIV, since publicly sharing her positive status at the young age of 21. She is a passionate storyteller and uses communication to help drive change, especially for black women living with HIV.
Today, Muluba keeps herself busy. In addition to her role on the Community Leadership Team at CTN+, she is Director of Communications and Programs at the Ontario AIDS Network and a National Spokesperson for the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR). She also co-authors publications on community engagement and health care considerations, and is working hard to beat stigma.
“Not just stigma related to HIV, but stigma as a whole. One of my purposes for being on this earth is to decrease stigma,” she said.
Enrico is passionate about, and committed to, advancing health equity and social justice through advocacy, research, and policy development. For over 30 years, he has gained extensive experience in diagnostic and clinical research, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance in various sectors, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and community-based organizations. His focus has been on bridging the gap between science and real-world impact and dismantling systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to care, particularly for people living with HIV and other marginalized communities.
As a pioneer in medical cannabis research, Enrico has been at the forefront of promoting evidence-based public policy regarding cannabis. He has served as an expert advisor on the initial medical exemptions and access regulations, as well as the roadmap for legalization and regulation.
“Above all, I am committed to fostering collaboration between science, lived experience, and policy to drive lasting progress,” he said.
Muluba and Enrico have been involved in HIV and STBBI research and advocacy for many years.
Paving the way for the advocates of tomorrow
Both Muluba and Enrico have valuable advice for anyone who wants to join them and go down the HIV advocacy route.
“Follow your own footsteps, put yourself out there, and have boundaries,” Muluba summarized.
“Live in your identity, your being, and your rules. Practically, start listening, reading, and going out to events, even if that means going alone. Explore what is going on and learn how to get involved, whether that’s through volunteering or going to a seminar,” she explained. “And don’t forget to craft your own boundaries. When I started this work, I went from 0–100 and didn’t know how to say ‘no.’ I left very little for myself. Boundaries can change as you grow and evolve, but make sure to follow the airplane oxygen mask rule: put your own mask on first.”
Enrico added, “Effective advocacy starts with a willingness to learn and an openness to truly understand the challenges people living with HIV face. Engage directly with communities, listen without preconceived notions, and commit to amplifying their voices rather than speaking on their behalf. Building trust and partnerships with those most affected will allow you to drive change that is both impactful and sustainable.”
He stressed that anyone going down the advocacy route must remain adaptable and informed. This is a constantly evolving field. Policies, science, and society are always changing and being a successful advocate means staying ahead of these advancements.
It…means embedding the voices of people living with HIV at every level of decision-making — from research to policy — so that solutions are truly reflective of their needs. – Enrico Mandarino
“Equip yourself with knowledge, use data to challenge misinformation, and be relentless in pushing for policies that protect the dignity and rights of all individuals,” said Enrico. “Above all, recognize that advocacy is not a solitary effort — it requires persistence, collaboration, and the courage to confront systemic injustices. Progress may be slow, and obstacles will arise, but every step forward brings us closer to a future where health equity is a reality for everyone. Stay committed, stay compassionate, and never lose sight of the impact that one voice — when joined by many — can have.”
Hopes and dreams
At the CTN+, every single person is working diligently towards improved prevention, treatment, care, and cure for people living with HIV and STBBIs. We recognize the power of collaboration, research, and knowledge mobilization to improve health equity across Canada. Like both Muluba and Enrico, we strive for a future where HIV is no longer a source of stigma or health inequity, and where prevention and care is accessible to everyone.
“This means ensuring universal access to prevention, treatment, and care, regardless of a person’s background, income, or circumstances,” said Enrico. “It also means embedding the voices of people living with HIV at every level of decision-making — from research to policy — so that solutions are truly reflective of their needs.”
He believes that, by working together and increasing the care options available to everyone at risk of or affected by HIV, we can embrace a future where HIV is no longer a public health crisis, but a manageable condition within an inclusive health care system. Muluba builds on this further with her dreams of equity and eradication.
“We must dismantle anti-black racism, which exists in our sector and institutions. I would love to see effective change through funding for our programs, support of people with HIV, effective, holistic care, and more prevention options,” she added. “I truly believe that we have the tools necessary to eradicate HIV. There are a lot of moving parts, but I would love to see that in my lifetime.”
In addition to Muluba and Enrico, we are delighted to share that several other members of the CTN+ received King Charles III Coronation Medals.
- Renée Masching, Atlantic Region Team Lead
- Sylvain Beaudry, Québec Region Team Lead
- Claudette Cardinal, British Columbia/Yukon Region Team Lead
- Alex McClelland, CTN+ investigator
- Francisco Ibáñez-Carrasco, CTN+ Investigator
- Julio Montaner, CTN+ Investigator
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!
Written By:
Hannah Branch
Ms. Hannah Branch joined the communications department in the fall of 2019. She holds a degree in Human Biology from the University of Birmingham and has over eight years’ experience working in science and health. Starting her career as commissioning editor of two medical journals, Hannah has since worked in other medical communications and PR roles, developing training materials and campaigns across a variety of health care areas.
