CHF signs agreement with Global Fund to implement HIV/AIDS program in Colombia

CHF International (CHF), the Silver Spring-MD based international development and humanitarian assistance organization, announced it signed an agreement with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to implement a two-year HIV and AIDS program in Colombia, with the possibility to extend it for another three years. The initial US$20.5 million award corresponds to the first two years of the program, and aims to build AIDS response capabilities in the South American country.

"We are glad that the Country Coordinating Mechanism of Colombia has chosen CHF as Principal Recipient of Global Fund-supported grants in the country, where they will work with the government and nonprofit organizations to strengthen the national response for HIV and AIDS," said Dr. Christoph Benn, Director of External Relations & Partnerships of the Global Fund. "We are very pleased with the grant performance of CHF, which is also a Principal Recipient of Global Fund HIV and malaria grants in Honduras."

The goal of the program is to contribute to improving the quality of life and survival of persons living with HIV or AIDS in Colombia. Together with the government and local organizations, CHF will establish a wide-reaching social mobilization to combat stigma and discrimination, promote human rights and universal access to comprehensive treatment services and antiretroviral therapy (ART). The activities will focus on the displaced youth population; men who have sex with men; sex workers; transgender, transsexuals and transvestites; prisoners; street people and other people living with HIV or AIDS and key populations at a higher risk for contracting HIV.

"CHF has been in Colombia since 2001, offering a wide range of programs that have assisted over 176,000 families of internally displaced persons. This new program sponsored by the Global Fund is a great addition to our already extensive portfolio in the country and our worldwide work, building the resilience of communities living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. We will be working with the Colombian Government and local organizations to fill the gap in preventive services and measures for seven key groups that are at a higher risk," says Randy Lyness, CHF Regional Director for the Americas.

Colombia has been affected by a violent civil conflict between guerilla groups, paramilitaries and drug cartels for decades. The stigma and discrimination created by these groups has reduced awareness and hindered HIV prevention programs and campaigns to support and provide treatment for those who are already living with HIV. With the new agreement, CHF will work with local organizations to build community capacity and support programs to deliver preventive and health services and to reduce mortality and vulnerability associated with HIV/AIDS among key affected groups in 75 Colombian municipalities.