Our approach.
Aids Fonds operates both in the Netherlands and internationally. In its home country, Aids Fonds has been involved in prevention, treatment, care and support for people with HIV and risk groups for 25 years. The unique Dutch approach has proved successful: overcoming taboos and doing everything necessary to tackle smaller outbreaks that could potentially combine to form one huge national epidemic. As a result, we use our expertise to fight the global AIDS problem.
AIDS hits some groups harder than others – often people who are already in vulnerable situations, like men who have sex with men, drug users, sex workers and ethnic minorities. People with HIV are also vulnerable and frequently have to deal with stigma and discrimination. Aids Fonds fights for these people. The right to prevention, treatment, care and support is central here.
Scientific research.
Prevention methods can reduce the chance of transmission, but HIV cannot always be stopped. HIV infection can be treated but not cured. Without investment in knowledge acquisition, we will not make progress. To contribute to new knowledge, Aids Fonds invests in scientific research. We are now one of the Netherlands' major funders of scientific research into HIV and AIDS. Dutch AIDS research is highly respected and makes an important contribution to international knowledge about HIV and AIDS. Life-saving combination therapy is an example of this.
AIDS on the agenda.
Aids Fonds aims to bring about permanent changes. This is only possible if there is sufficient funding and support for AIDS relief. As a result, we develop campaigns and raise money for AIDS projects. In addition, we constantly draw the Dutch government's attention to the AIDS problem.
Innovation.
Aids Fonds aims to show that new methods work. We therefore invest in promising innovative projects and methods. After proven success, these activities are rolled out on a large scale by other (international) organizations. In this way, Aids Fonds enables changes that would otherwise seem impossible.
Investing in health care.
We can only fight AIDS effectively if countries have adequate health care. Well-educated doctors, pharmacists, nurses and health educators are needed, as are well-equipped clinics. Aids Fonds therefore invests in AIDS projects that improve a country's health care. An example is the Medical Credit Fund.