AID FOR AIDS and AID FOR LIFE have had to adapt to the social distancing measures and the current context in the midst of the global pandemic of COVID-19. Therefore, we have had to face various administrative, financial and programmatic challenges; such as the temporary closure or suspension of activities, remote work and the cancelation of fundraising events.

 

At AID FOR AIDS (AFA), the HIV Medicine Recycling and Access to Treatment programs have been the most affected, seeing as the collection of antiretrovirals depends on coordination with our allies and the network of drop off boxes, whose locations have been closed. Another relevant element for the operation of these programs are mail and transport logistics, both of which are also affected by the pandemic. As a consequence of the crisis, both AFA programs have seen their inventories decrease substantially, faced shortages of some medicines, and dealt with restrictions regarding shipments. All these factors influence both the receipt of medicine through the Recycling Program, necessary to continue the Access to Treatment program, and the delivery of medicines to beneficiaries around the world.

 

In order to guarantee the continuity of treatments for our beneficiaries and with their health as a priority, AFA has seen the need to buy medicines for our Access to Treatment program for the first time in 24 years. Although it is a contingency measure,  AFA hopes to resume the HIV Medicine Recycling Program as the main mechanism to provide access to treatment for thousands of people around the world, preserving its essence as an innovative and sustainable solution.

 

Now more than ever, we need the support of our community to ensure the continuity of our programs and uninterrupted care for our beneficiaries around the world. If you have a proposal on how to scale up the Recycling Program, have medicines to donate or would like to get involved, please reach out and contact us!