Local action for lasting change

Powering HIV Progress through Local Investment

Dr. Penninah Iutung presenting on the state of HIV financing in Africa.

In support of sustainable, Ugandan-led health solutions, AHF Africa Bureau Chief Dr. Penninah Iutung recently addressed national leaders, including Prime Minister Hon. Robinah Nambaja, and global health partners at Uganda’s National Health Financing Policy Dialogue, advocating for stronger community health financing to expand HIV prevention, testing, and treatment access.

The event brought together key stakeholders to explore innovative financing strategies—like community-based health insurance, public-private partnerships, and bolstering Village Health Teams (VHTs), Uganda’s volunteer health workers who connect communities to essential care. The dialogue concluded with a Communiqué reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to equitable, locally led health funding.

Dr. Iutung joins the “More Money for Health” panel, urging for more domestic investment and efficiency.

Ugandan Prime Minister Hon. Robinah Nambaja signs a commitment to equitable, locally driven health funding.

“We must address the critical gaps in community health financing, especially for preventive care, which includes essential HIV services,” said Dr. Iutung. “Donor funds often prioritize curative over preventive health care, leaving community health structures like VHTs under-resourced. Governments should step up in financing community health systems to close these gaps and sustain local health efforts. Strengthening community health financing models will not only ensure resources are directed to where they are needed most but also empower communities to take ownership of their health, secure their funding, and sustain impactful health care outcomes.”

Read more from Dr. Iutung on HIV financing in Africa in her recent interview featured in The Highflyer Report.

Mon Srey Ka: A Voice for Her Community

CAMBODIA

Mon Srey Ka is a Girls Act Cambodia Coordinator. Her story is next in our "I Am AHF" series featuring remarkable staff, clients, and partners who are doing what's right to save lives every day.

My name is Mon Srey Ka,

and I’m one of the Girl Coordinators for Girls Act Cambodia. I live in a small village called Prey Sor on the outskirts of Phnom Penh with my parents and younger sister. My mother is a high school teacher and my father is a farmer. I'm extremely proud to serve as the Cambodian Leader of the Girls Act program.

Becoming a Leader

In 2020, I was one of eight girls to join Girls Act Cambodia—a program that empowers us to grow as leaders, build essential life skills, and educate other young girls with accurate information about sexual and reproductive health and HIV. We continue building our knowledge through regular monthly meetings.

Working with Diverse Communities

I feel truly honored to work with girls from all walks of life—especially those from informal settlements, low-income families, and households affected by HIV. This experience has helped me understand the unique challenges many girls face. The program is peer-led and reaches girls from diverse backgrounds, including those living with HIV and those facing social or economic disadvantage.

Mon Srey Ka commemorating Menstrual Health Day.

AHF’s Condom Advocacy Gains Ground in Bali

With over 91% of HIV cases in Indonesia linked to sexual transmission, condoms remain one of our most powerful tools for prevention.

In response to persistently high rates of HIV and other STIs in Denpasar, Bali, AHF Indonesia convened health partners, peer educators, journalists, and local officials—including the Denpasar AIDS Commission—on May 15 to formalize a prevention and empowerment action plan.

Participants emphasized the importance of engaging and supporting key populations—female, male, and transgender sex workers—through policy improvements. Recommendations included increasing access to condoms, reducing permit registration fees for sex workers, and ensuring adequate budget allocations for CD4 and viral load testing.

Condom dispensers help prevent HIV/STIs and break the stigma around sexual wellness.

As a result of the meeting, AHF installed condom dispensers in Padang Galak, a known hotspot for sex work. Additional dispensers will soon be placed in other high-traffic areas.

AHF also gained strong support from two popular LGBTQ+ bars in Denpasar to host dispensers and educational materials on-site—an important step forward in stigma-free outreach.

AHF Voted Best Medical Provider for LGBTQ+ Community

Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Blade.

AHF was honored with the Best Doctor/Medical Provider award at the 2025 Los Angeles Blade Best of LGBTQ+ LA Awards in Los Angeles, California. This recognition is a testament to the organization’s longstanding commitment to compassionate, inclusive care for the LGBTQ+ community.

"We are immensely proud to be recipients of this award, a recognition that embodies our commitment to excellence and compassion in healthcare. This is not just a celebration of outstanding medical professionals; it symbolizes the vital role that dedicated providers play in AHF’s broader mission and the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Dr. Mona-Gekanju Toeque, AHF Western Regional Medical Director.

“In a world where access to quality healthcare can be a challenge, this award highlights providers who go above and beyond—and reminds us of our collective responsibility to uphold the highest standards of care, deliver cutting-edge medicine and advocacy regardless of ability to pay, and advance a healthier, more equitable future for all.”

In addition, Queen Victoria Ortega, International President of FLUX—an AHF affinity group creating safe spaces for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals—was honored with the LGBTQ+ Professional of the Year award.

"Receiving the LGBTQ+ Professional of the Year award is a profound honor and affirmation," said Queen Victoria Ortega. "I share this award with every transcestor and trailblazer who continue to show up when the world turns away. Remember, we are built for this – start your business, take the risk, and believe in yourself and others. You will prevail."

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