Danielle Ribeiro from Great.com interviewed the AIDS Foundation South Africa as part of their ‘Great.com Talks With…’ podcast. This series is an antidote to negative news stories that aims to shed light on organizations and experts whose work is making a positive impact on the world.
Dedicated to the relentless pursuit of eradicating HIV/AIDS, the AIDS Foundation South Africa (AFSA) embodies a steadfast commitment to our mission. With a core focus on empowering communities and individuals most affected by the epidemic, our mission resonates with compassion, innovation, and resilience. Through a holistic approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, child protection, and community empowerment, AFSA strives to reshape the narrative surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Today Ntombenhle Mkhize, the CEO of AIDS Foundation South Africa, to Great.com about inspiring transformative change and fostering a brighter future for all those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
At the forefront of the battle against HIV/AIDS, AFSA employs a multifaceted strategy centered on Combination Prevention and Treatment, Child Protection and Wellbeing, and Food Security and Income Generation. Our commitment to delivering quality services to communities most in need is underscored by our focus on Policy and Practice, advocating for equality, education, and access to basic services as fundamental components of their efforts.
Recognizing the complex nature of the HIV epidemic, AFSA acknowledges that it is deeply rooted in social and relational phenomena influenced by environmental, cultural, political, and socio-economic drivers. Instead of viewing HIV/AIDS as a standalone health issue, we understand the need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses the diverse realities faced by different communities and subgroups. This approach ensures that interventions are not only effective but also integrated into a broader sexual and reproductive health framework.
Our strategic focus extends to geographies and populations with elevated risk, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing prevention impact efficiently. By tailoring strategies to target social and structural drivers, we ensure that our efforts are nuanced and impactful, reaching those who are most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
In addition to the prevention and treatment initiatives, AFSA is dedicated to fostering Child Protection and Wellbeing, recognizing the interconnectedness of HIV/AIDS with broader issues affecting vulnerable populations. By addressing socio-economic challenges, We provide immediate relief while working towards sustainable solutions that contribute to the overall well-being of affected individuals and communities.
For AFSA, the fight against HIV/AIDS goes beyond treating the symptoms; it involves understanding and addressing the root causes of the epidemic. Through our holistic and dynamic approach, we strive to create lasting change and build resilient communities equipped to face the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS.
Great.com is an organization aimed at solving the world’s most dire problem — global climate change. Starting in New Jersey, their mission is to take money from an otherwise harmful and greedy industry (online casinos) and move it towards a positive and good cause (solving the climate crisis). In addition to directly donating 100% of the revenue they earn in the casino industry, they also launch and manage fundraising campaigns to persuade casino entrepreneurs to donate. So far, they’ve generated over $2 million to climate research through their own donations and proceeds from their fundraising initiatives.
