SOUTH AFRICA

Jenny Boyce was there at the very beginning. One of AHF’s earliest patients in South Africa—and globally—she is patient number 21. Today, an HIV activist and AHF client, Jenny is featured in our I Am AHF series, highlighting people who do what’s right to save lives every day.

That denial lasted until my health collapsed. I developed tuberculosis and pneumonia and ended up hospitalized in critical condition. I should have died then. But it wasn’t meant to be. After ten days in a non-responsive state, doctors sent me home to die with dignity—but my family refused to give up and fought to keep me alive.

It was during this time that my path crossed with AHF. In South Africa, antiretroviral therapy was scarce, especially for people without money. AHF became my lifeline. When I learned about AHF, I signed up immediately. Diana Hoorzuk, a longtime AHF board member from South Africa and member of my community, urged me to seek treatment at the clinic. In March 2002, my husband and I both started treatment at the AHF Ithembalabantu—The People’s Hope—clinic in Umlazi.

Created for the 15th anniversary of AHF’s Ithembalantu “People’s Hope” Clinic in Umlazi, South Africa, The People’s Hope: 15 Years documentary reflects on the clinic’s early days through the voices of Jenny, other early patients, and the AHF pioneers who made lifesaving care possible when ART was out of reach for most.

Just Use It: Share the Message

International Condom Day is just around the corner—Feb. 13! We need your help to share why condoms matter. As the most effective and affordable way to prevent HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies, condoms are essential for safer sex.

Follow us on social media, share our ICD content, and use the captions below to help spread the message: condoms save lives!

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AHF Launches in Bangladesh

Dr. Yugang Bao, AHF Asia Deputy Bureau Chief (sitting, fourth from left), with national and local leaders supporting the establishment of AHF Bangladesh.

AHF officially began its work in Bangladesh with a kick-off meeting held on Jan. 27 in Dhaka. The event introduced AHF’s global mission to national stakeholders and brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Directorate General of Health Services, National AIDS/STD Control Program, United Nations, and civil society organizations.

Abdur Rahman, President of the PLHIV Networks of Bangladesh, noted that people living with HIV (PLHIV) currently do not receive comprehensive support from hospitals in the country. He highlighted persistent discrimination and stigma within the healthcare system, particularly around disclosure of HIV status related to treatment and surgical care. Rahman urged AHF Bangladesh to take the lead in establishing comprehensive, hospital-based services to ensure PLHIV receive uninterrupted, respectful, and stigma-free care.

With the addition of Bangladesh, AHF now operates in 50 countries worldwide.

India State Spotlights International Condom Day!

Dr. V. Sam Prasad (left), AHF India Cares Country Program Director with Dr. Jane Ralte (right), Project Director of the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society.

In a region with HIV incidence over 13 times the national average and traditionally sensitive attitudes toward condom use, the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram has highlighted International Condom Day (ICD) in its 2026 Annual Wall Calendar. Through a strengthened partnership, the state now collaborates with AHF to expand community access to lifesaving HIV prevention tools.

“What was once unspoken is now endorsed; this marks a turning point in Mizoram’s HIV response and a public health victory over fear and stigma—one that can lead to healthier behaviors and reduced HIV incidence in the state,” said Dr. Jane Ralte, Project Director of the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society. “We look forward to the continued support of AHF India Cares as we prepare to introduce more innovative models to reach hidden populations with stigma-free services.”