Action for AIDS (AfA) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to fighting HIV infection and AIDS in Singapore. It draws upon a network of healthcare professionals, advocates, educators and volunteers, to implement educational, testing, treatment and welfare programmes[1].
AfA was formed in 1988 in response to the global and local spread of HIV infection. It is a registered social service agency and has been recognised as an Institution of Public Character (IPC) since 2004. It has introduced numerous innovative projects and runs a broad range of educational outreach, HIV and STI testing, support and welfare programmes. The society's programmes are managed and implemented by staff with the support of volunteers. The organisation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and funded through grants from government agencies, foundations and corporate partners. Additionally, AfA receives donations from both private individuals and businesses. The AfA Endowment Fund is managed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.
Mission[]
The organisation focuses on its AIDS commitment through the promotion of prevention, education and advocating for and providing care to benefit the welfare of persons living with HIV/AIDS.
To mark its 25th year, AfA adopted the tagline "Doing It Better" to help it achieve its goals of zero new infections, zero deaths due to HIV/AIDS related illnesses and zero discrimination and stigma.
It is committed to working together to:
- prevent HIV transmission through promotion of behavioural and biomedical strategies.
- reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals by working towards universal access to treatment and care.
- advocate the implementation of policies and programmes that will reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Singapore.
Management[]
AFA is governed by a volunteer Executive Committee and funded through programmatic grants from government agencies as well as donations from both private individuals and businesses. The AFA Endowment Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees. The society has a staff of 10 and a volunteer pool of over 200.
Events organised[]
Some of the activities it organised in 1991 include an AIDS candlelight memorial, a pop concert by entertainer Boy George, and an orientation programme for freshmen at the National University of Singapore. In 1996, AFA organised the Art Against AIDS exhibition which was held at The Substation, Suntec City and Parco Bugis Junction to raise awareness of AIDS.
In 2012, AFA presented its inaugural Red Ribbon Awards to five recipients – one individual and four organisations – for helping to raise public awareness of HIV and AIDS in Singapore.
Evolution[]
Since its founding in 1988, the organisation has evolved its functions and objectives – from the promotion of basic public awareness of HIV/AIDS and starting up support and assistance for persons living with HIV infection, to its present day role that requires greater coordination and collaboration, delivering complex prevention and care programmes in a globalised and connected society.
See also[]
References[]
- Action for AIDS' website:[2].
- https://afa.org.sg/about-us/our-history/
- Archived copies of The Act:[3]
- https://issuu.com/action_for_aids
- Naidu Ratnala Thulaja, National AIDS Control Programme, Singapore InfoPedia, National Library Board[4].
Acknowledgements[]
This article was written by Roy Tan.