AIDS affects millions of people worldwide
It is a threat to public health and the major cause of death in many developing countries. The majority of people living with HIV and AIDS in developing countries has no access to treatment, the result being illness and an early death. Worldwide less than 20% of the people in urgent need of antiretroviral treatment actually receive medication.
HIV affects all levels of society
The family, the community and the nation as a whole. Predominantly young and middle-aged adults are infected. As these population groups are the mainstay of the economy the epidemic destroys the very fabric of societies. Particularly in places where HIV prevalence is high, the economy is negatively affected and the provision of social services becomes more difficult. And in a vicious twist, the increased poverty makes populations more vulnerable to the spread of HIV.
AIDS and poverty
At the wider community or national level the impact is felt as the gradual accumulation of losses, and diminution of resources and options for change. The seriousness of the impact depends not only on the numbers infected and directly affected by HIV, but also on the resources available to cope with the situation, whether at family, community or national level.
This makes the fight against AIDS closely related with the fight against poverty. Based on this idea the Aids Fonds and four Dutch development organisations, Hivos, ICCO, Cordaid and Oxfam Novib, decided to join forces and found STOP AIDS NOW! in 2000. As the HIV and AIDS problem is so far-reaching and has such fundamental consequences no party or organisation is likely to find the ultimate solution alone. Therefore STOP AIDS NOW! works as much as possible with other players in the field. Such as governments, other NGOs, networks and various companies.
STOP AIDS NOW! is an independent organisation with an independent management. Aids Fonds, Hivos, ICCO, Cordaid and Oxfam Novib are all collaborating within STOP AIDS NOW!
