How African-Led Initiatives Are Driving Change

In recent years, significant strides have been made in the fight against HIV, with Africa showing some of the most remarkable progress. According to the 2024 UNAIDS report, the steepest reduction in new HIV infections globally from 2010 to 2023 occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, with a 56% decline. The reduction in new HIV infections among children has been a standout achievement, with new infections falling by 73% in Eastern and Southern Africa.

At the heart of this success is the vital work being done by grassroots organizations that understand the unique challenges and opportunities within their communities. Through African-led partnerships, we are seeing continued progress in achieving the UNAIDS targets of reducing new HIV infections by 90% by 2030.

Blood:Water’s Role in the Fight Against HIV

At Blood:Water, we are proud to support the ongoing efforts to reduce HIV infections, particularly through our partnerships with local organizations across East and Southern Africa. 

These partnerships are driving the progress that the UNAIDS report highlights, and together, we continue to make strides in preventing new infections and providing care and support to those affected by HIV.

Overall Partner Highlights:

Over the past 20 years, Blood:Water partners have made a significant impact in the fight against HIV, reaching communities with vital prevention services and improving lives across East and Southern Africa.

To date, our partners have:

• Reached 718,273 people with prevention services, including 167,404 children aged 0-14 and 2,601 pregnant women.

• Helped 664 infants born to HIV-positive pregnant women who remained HIV-negative due to preventative care

Current Partnership Highlights

FOCCAD (Malawi)

One of our partners in Malawi, FOCCAD, has made tremendous strides in preventing new HIV infections among two key populations identified in the UNAIDS report: adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). Through targeted interventions, FOCCAD aims to increase the uptake of sexual and reproductive health services, HIV prevention, and awareness for 950 OVC and AGYW. To date through our partnership, FOCCAD has reached 4,449 people with prevention services, including 1,444 children.

OLPS (Kenya)

In Kenya, OLPS is leading efforts to support both adolescent girls and boys with HIV prevention. Their focus on adolescent girls, along with a gender-sensitive approach for adolescent boys, is critical in breaking the transmission chain. Thanks to this work with our support, OLPS has reached 1,698 people with prevention services, including 11 pregnant women, and 11 infants born to HIV-positive pregnant women who remained HIV-negative due to preventative care

BOH (Kenya)

In addition to our work with FOCCAD and OLPS, our partner BOH in Kenya is implementing a family-centered approach to HIV prevention. This approach recognizes that families play a crucial role in providing emotional and social support to people living with HIV (PLHIV). By reducing stigma and promoting open communication about HIV, BOH aims to increase the availability and access to HIV prevention services for 4,000 individuals within 24 months. To date through our partnership, BOH has reached 8,665 people with prevention services, including 6 pregnant women, and helped prevent transmission in 5 infants born to HIV-positive pregnant women who remained HIV-negative due to preventative care.

A Shared Commitment to Ending the HIV Epidemic

The progress seen in Eastern and Southern Africa is inspiring, but we know that continued success requires sustained efforts. The goal of reducing new HIV infections by 90% by 2030 is ambitious, but not out of reach. Through the work of organizations like FOCCAD, OLPS, and BOH, we are seeing the power of community-led interventions in changing the course of the HIV pandemic.

At Blood:Water, our vision is to share in the joy of ending the water & HIV/AIDS crises – with our partners and in this lifetime. Invest in this work by making your gift today.