The Burundian National Association of Support for People Living with HIV and AIDS Patients (ANSS) marked the twentieth anniversary of its creation on 4 July during a gala event that took place in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Created in 1993, ANSS’ mission is to promote the prevention of HIV transmission and to improve the well-being of people living with and affected by HIV. The ANSS was the first civil society organization in the country to provide HIV services to people living with HIV, including the distribution of antiretroviral therapy. At the end 2013, the ANSS was providing treatment to more than 6000 people in Burundi. From 2007 to 2013, the association provided HIV counselling and testing to more than 56 000 people as part of its HIV prevention efforts.
During the event, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé commended the leadership of the association and its key role in providing services to people living with HIV in the country. The President of the ANSS, Jeanne Gapiya, committed to increasing access to antiretroviral therapy in Burundi as well as to continue working to ensure that the rights of people living with HIV are respected.
