The achievement of reaching 2 million lives in care across 46 countries worldwide was celebrated at the American Center in New Delhi in partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and the US Embassy in New Delhi.
The event saw participation from US government health officials and Manvendra Singh Gohil, who is known as the "Gay Prince of India,” key opinion leaders from LGBTQI+ communities, and NGO leaders.
The event highlighted the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and acknowledged the unwavering commitment of the US government to the cause in India.
Genessa Giorgi, the US Government Health Attaché in India from Health and Human Services, welcomed the attendees, emphasising the longstanding collaborative efforts between the United States and India. These efforts have been supported through various entities, including the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), in collaboration with the Government of India, for over three decades.
Genessa Giorgi also expressed her appreciation for the impactful work of AHF, a non-governmental organisation based in Los Angeles, in the fight against HIV across 46 countries, which impacts over 2 million lives through comprehensive prevention strategies, support for families, children, and marginalised communities, and the prevention of millions of new infections.
Dr. Sam Prasad Vazhamattam, Country Program Director of AHF India, stated, “This milestone reaffirms our continued commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and providing compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.” He also emphasised the need for collective efforts to end HIV/AIDS during his opening remarks.
Manvendra Singh Gohil, Brand Ambassador for AHF, stressed the importance of inclusive, universal access to life-saving drugs and the crucial role of community leaders in driving change. He also highlighted the significance of collective efforts in advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS and ensuring that every individual receives the care and support they deserve.
The event included a variety of activities, such as inspiring speeches, discussions, and networking with prominent community leaders. It also featured the screening of the documentary "Keep the Promise" to showcase the impact of AHF’s work.
The event was attended by various government officials from the Indian Ministry of Health, international NGO leaders, representatives from foreign embassies, community and civil society leaders, and officials from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), in addition to Manvendra Singh Gohil.
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