AHF Reaches 2.5 Million Lives, 1.3 Million in Africa
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has reached a transformative milestone, providing life-saving HIV prevention, care, and treatment to 2.5 million people across 49 countries, including 1.3 million in 15 African nations. The achievement represents not only lives saved but also hope restored, families preserved, and communities strengthened.
Founded in 1987 in Los Angeles as the AIDS Hospice Foundation, AHF has grown into the world’s largest HIV/AIDS service organisation, with over 8,000 dedicated staff delivering compassionate, expert, and non-judgemental care to all, regardless of ability to pay. Through robust advocacy initiatives, the foundation ensures equitable access to HIV and public health services globally.
AHF President Michael Weinstein reflected on the milestone: “When we began, I never imagined we’d touch 2.5 million lives. This milestone, born of our staff’s courage and our patients’ trust, demands recognition. We’ve stayed true to our principles, proving hope can shine in a challenging world. Yet, our journey continues. AHF is tackling STIs, hunger, homelessness, and the global HIV epidemic with relentless resolve.”
The foundation’s work has contributed significantly to improvements in life expectancy in African countries such as Malawi, where it has risen from 46 to 67 years over 25 years. Children orphaned due to HIV are now growing up with their parents, and communities are thriving through access to quality care.
Dr Penninah Iutung, AHF’s Executive Vice President, highlighted the growth of AHF’s programmes in Africa. “When we launched our first global programmes in South Africa and Uganda in 2002, serving 100 clients in each country, we could never have imagined expanding to 13 more African countries. AHF Africa now delivers programmes that extend beyond clinical care to include community-led prevention, equitable access strategies, and pandemic preparedness. Our success reflects deep collaboration with governments and civil society, reaching the most marginalised, advancing equity, and ensuring no one is left behind.”
Dr Nombuso Madonsela, AHF South Africa Country Program Director, added, “Being part of this historic milestone is a privilege. AHF South Africa remains steadfast in championing combination prevention, reducing new infections, and ensuring quality service delivery and support for all in our care. Through our Community Power Voices initiative, we amplify the stories and triumphs of those living with HIV. Ending HIV is not just a dream, it is a promise we are determined to keep.”
Looking ahead, AHF remains committed to expanding access to services, dismantling barriers, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the global fight against HIV. This milestone fuels the foundation’s mission to innovate, push boundaries, and build a future where HIV is no longer a threat.
For more information, visit www.AIDSHealth.org.
