International Organizations
Some of the key players in the struggle against AIDS
A short summary of key international organizations leading the way in the struggle against AIDS.
The AIDS crisis is a global problem that will take global resources to fight it. An international perspective, infrastructure, resources, and knowledge are key components in an effective strategy against HIV/AIDS.
Following, is a no-means exhaustive list of key international organizations committed to fighting AIDS:
World Health Organization:
The WHO sets the standard for medical care in international health. As such, it is no surprise that the WHO takes a leadership role in fighting AIDS. While they do offer support to countries in the way of information and medical resources, they are probably best known for tracking the spread of the disease on the international level and setting guidelines. Their epidemic updates on the spread of AIDS are often-cited and seen as definitive.
Medecins Sans Frontieres
As the front-line workers in many poverty-stricken and war-torn countries, the health professionals of MSF often bear witness to the devastating impact that politics and war can have on the individual. AIDS has proven to be no exception. Their invaluable position has allowed MSF to tell the rest of the world what is happening and what is needed in these AIDS ravaged countries. Maybe just as importantly, the rest of the world is inclined to listen to MSF.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
After making a fortune in software, Bill Gates, along with his wife Melinda, dedicated some of those resources and talent to eradicating the inequalities of the world. This has taken the form of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which has granted $13.35 billion to projects which address health and poverty in developing countries as well as access to education and technology in the United States. As part of their work they have supported AIDS programs including vaccine development programs and initiatives across Africa and India which focus on stopping the spread of HIV.
International AIDS Society
This organization is probably best-known for being the lead organizer of the International AIDS Conference which occurs every two years. This conference is an integral part of bringing all those involved with AIDS, be it in research, policy, activism, etc., together to share their knowledge and experience. Apart from the conference, IAS also works towards removing barriers for research in developing countries and making the results of such research available through an online medical journal.
