From Classrooms to Clinics

Classroom Conversations on Health and Safety in Rwanda

Participating schools are linked with AHF clinics to support ongoing student education and serve as a lasting resource.

AHF Rwanda, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, recently led a sexual health and wellness campaign across three of the country's districts, engaging both students and school faculty through interactive education sessions.

With the support of key stakeholders—including the Ministry of Local Government, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Isange One Stop Center, and school leadership—the campaign addressed adolescent health, the identification and reporting of gender-based violence (GBV), preventing unplanned pregnancy, and the importance of accurate, accessible health information.

Students received sanitary pads and new backpacks during the education sessions.

Aline Umutoni, Director General of Family Promotion and Child Right Protection, addressed students with a clear message: Eighty-one percent of school dropouts are linked to unplanned pregnancies. She also emphasized the importance of reporting violence, practicing digital safety, and making informed choices that protect students' health, rights, and future.

In each school, five student peer leaders and one mentor teacher were trained in GBV response, HIV prevention, and peer education techniques, equipping them to lead school health clubs and carry the campaign's messages forward—ensuring continued engagement and learning throughout the school year.

Aline Umutoni addresses students at GS Kabuga Catholique school.

New Wellness Centers Bring Free, Inclusive STI Care to Southeast Asia

AHF is expanding STI care with the opening of three new Wellness Centers in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos, providing local communities with friendly, stigma- and judgment-free STI testing and treatment services free of charge.

In Vietnam, AHF celebrated the launch of its first Wellness Center in Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with Galant General Clinic, which was attended by leaders of the nation's HIV response, including Dr. Duong Minh Hai, Deputy Head of the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Chronic Infectious Diseases. The center aims to bring accessible care to underserved populations in the community.

Dr. Sarath Chhim, AHF Asia Bureau Chief, gets tested at Vietnam's newest Wellness Center.

In North Jakarta, AHF Indonesia, in collaboration with the Melania Foundation, recently supported the launch of a second Wellness Center, with Dr. Jan Van den Hombergh, AHF Director of Global Quality Management, joining health officials, civil society, and peer educators at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, AHF Laos, with the Community Health and Inclusion Association and the testVTE Center, opened the country’s first Wellness Center in Vientiane, with government and health officials in attendance.

AHF Indonesia's Wellness Center works to combat stigma that often keeps key populations from care.

In addition to STI care, the Laos Wellness Center offers mental health services and chemsex counseling.

An AHF Laos client receives counseling on living with HIV and shares his experience of learning his status.

"Before visiting the Wellness Clinic, I didn’t know where to turn for help. After seeing a Facebook post, I got tested and learned I was HIV-positive. I was overwhelmed with fear, but the counseling and support I received gave me hope," said one of the first clients visiting the new Wellness Center in Laos.

"The staff helped me understand that with treatment, I can live a healthy, confident life. Now I take ARVs regularly, my health is improving, and I feel ready for the future—thanks to the AHF Laos Wellness Clinic and testVTE team."

With 45 Wellness Centers operating in 28 countries globally and more opening in the coming months, AHF is scaling a proven model of accessible, community-based care that prioritizes equity, dignity, and prevention. These centers serve as vital entry points to free sexual health services—reaching key populations, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals and sex workers, in their communities and setting a global standard for inclusive, client-centered STI and HIV care.

AHF Partners Help Drive Europe’s HIV and STI Response

Greek model and influencer Katerina Peftitsi attends Positive Voice’s testing event during European Testing Week.

AHF partners Positive Voice and Demetra in Greece and Lithuania, respectively, joined health organizations across Europe last month for European Testing Week—a coordinated public health campaign promoting voluntary, accessible, and stigma-free testing for HIV and other STIs.

Nearly 800 people were tested through Demetra (above) and Positive Voice programs.

Positive Voice offered free HIV testing and promoted their clinics throughout Athens and Thessaloniki. They also invited local and national public figures—including pop star Tamta, and TV and radio personalities Katerina Zarifi and Charis Chronopoulos—to get tested and share their experiences online, helping to normalize testing.

Demetra supported testing efforts at mobile sites, clinics, and public spaces, expanding reach to diverse communities, particularly underserved populations.

"I had never been tested for HIV before because I thought it was complicated or scary," said a first-time tester at Demetra’s event in Vilnius. "But the team made it so easy and respectful. I feel empowered knowing my status and proud to take care of my health."

AHF Films: In Case You Missed It

The film “NOW! Advocacy Saves Lives” captures AHF’s unwavering commitment to being the voice of the voiceless, showing how everyday people can drive powerful social change. Through collective action, advocates' voices have helped shape public policy and advance justice around the world. This inspiring film is a call to ARISE, ACT, and SPEAK OUT.

Experience this film and many more on the AHF Films website.

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