Project Focus Area – HIV/AIDS

Only by working together to set our future course can we accelerate greater results for people
-Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS

Globally, 33.3 million people are living with HIV –22.5 million of whom reside in sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS). More than 20 million people have died around the world since we first became aware of the disease over 25 years ago. AIDS has not only inflicted immense human suffering in families and communities, but has also had a detrimental impact on development goals worldwide (MDG Report 2005). Prevention and awareness raising efforts, especially programs targeted at the most vulnerable, must be expanded. FCDE will be an active partner in support of programs working towards the provision of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and support, and efforts to reverse the spread of HIV in local communities and globally.

It has been shown that increased social protection and effective community involvement can help reduce an individual’s chance of HIV infection. This, in turn, decreases the deleterious effects on families and communities. Continued efforts to develop universal access to HIV prevention programs are vital in reaching the most vulnerable populations and curbing the spread of the epidemic. Women and girls, who make up nearly 52% of the global total of people living with HIV (in sub-Saharan Africa, the number increases to 60%), require programs tailored to their unique set of needs. UNAIDS calls for “promoting policies and programs that are inclusive, non-stigmatizing and non-discriminatory, and promote equity.” These global strategies align with FCDE’s work with local CBOs on the ground and in the communities most affected by this deadly disease. We will support our partners through capacity building initiatives, intern and volunteer support, increased networking opportunities, and access to further resources.