A woman from Woolwich has travelled to Parliament to deliver a message about the importance of the international fight against killer diseases.

Horcelie Sinda, spoke at the ‘Health Heroes’ event in Parliament, where she addressed MPs and fellow campaigners about her work supporting people living in the world’s poorest countries.

Horcelie said: “It was an honour to speak in Parliament about the importance of health for people who have less than us, and how important it is that the UK continues to take a leading role.”

The event, which took place on May 15, was organised by anti-poverty group The ONE Campaign to recognise ‘Health Heroes’ from across the UK for their work to boost the health of people living in extreme poverty.

Horcelie continued: “I really believe in the importance of helping anybody who doesn’t have access to essential health care, wherever they are in the world.”

At the event Horcelie spoke about her work as an artist, activist and campaigner with many different organisations to raise awareness about HIV/Globally.

Recently, she has founded Lobiko ya Congo, an organisation providing services to educate the Congolese community on HIV/AIDS, Women's reproductive health and the economy.

Horcelie also works with other campaigners to get her message out there, including YouTube channel ‘Afro Edition’ to promote health awareness in Afro-Caribbean communities around the world.

International Development Minister Baroness Sugg said: “These fantastic healthcare heroes are delivering aid where it is most needed, saving lives and helping poorer countries prosper - whether that is responding to humanitarian crises, natural disasters or tackling deadly diseases.

“We should be proud of the great work people like Horcelie are doing, using their British expertise to help those in need around the world.”

As well as the work of the Health Heroes, the event promoted the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, which will have its replenishment conference later this year.

The UK is a key supporter of the Global Fund, and the money it has pledged to date has helped saved 2.3 million lives.

If the Fund is fully financed by the UK and other donors, it will save 16 million lives over the coming years in the world’s poorest countries from these killer diseases.

Romilly Greenhill, UK Director of The ONE Campaign, said: “It was inspirational to hear about the work that Horcelie does helping people around the world – she is a true Health Hero.

“I hope that the Government and Politicians take note of how important this issue is, not just for the speakers at this event, but for the millions of people across the UK who are proud of our work to support those overseas”.