UNAIDS and the Akbaraly Foundation have signed a landmark partnership agreement to reshape how HIV and women’s health are addressed across Madagascar and the Indian Ocean region.

Over the past 15 years, new HIV infections in Madagascar have surged by 151%, and AIDS-related deaths have risen by 279%. Of the estimated 70 000 people living with HIV in the country, only 20% are receiving treatment. These statistics reflect lives and families in jeopardy and communities in need.

This new alliance brings together two organizations with shared goals and complementary strengths. UNAIDS brings decades of global leadership in the HIV response., while the Akbaraly Foundation offers deep community trust and a proven ability to deliver results.

“This agreement goes well beyond organizational cooperation,” said UNAIDS Country Director, Jude Padayachy, “it represents a collective commitment to innovation, equity and results that matter.”

Since its founding in 2008, the Akbaraly Foundation, which also operates in India, Italy and Rwanda, has become a pillar of healthcare delivery in Madagascar, especially in underserved regions. Its mobile unit, LUISA, has travelled more than 25 000 kilometres to provide medical services in remote villages. Over 340 000 women have been screened for cancer and 480 000 people have received life-changing education on cancer prevention.

The partnership will focus on incorporating HIV services into the fixed and mobile Akbaraly medical infrastructure to extend their reach as well as training programmes for health professionals in Comoros to strengthen the region’s response capabilities.

In addition, UNAIDS and the Akbaraly Foundation will coordinate advocacy efforts during global campaigns  such as World AIDS Day and World Cancer Day to strengthen public awareness and reduce stigma. This strategic alliance is a promise to deliver health with dignity, from city centres to the most isolated islands.