AIDS Empowerment and Treatment International

AIDS Empowerment and Treatment International (AIDSETI), is a network created and managed by people living with HIV/AIDS - both infected and affected - in the South and the North. The network has been incorporated in Zimbabwe and in Delaware, US, where it has obtained its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. We are an international network of 22 community-based associations of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) focused on providing HIV care and treatment in 14 of the poorest countries of Africa and the Caribbean. The associations have a total of around 100,000 members.

AIDSETI is governed by an independent board of fifteen Directors, the majority of whom are native ofto, and reside in, Africa and the Caribbean. Two thirds of the board members are HIV-positive, and half are women. The network's key workgroups, including medical, pharmaceutical, training, information management, and finance committees, are comprised of well known experts and association leaders.

Our primary aim is to expand access to HIV/AIDS treatment in resource-poor countries. We work to empower associations of PLWHAs, along with their doctors and their counselors, with the knowledge, financial and pharmaceutical resources to run their own holistic HIV treatment programs. By treatment we mean at least one of the three following components: (1) regular checkups and training in survival and healthy living skills, (2) prophylaxis and treatment for opportunistic infections, and (3) anti-retroviral therapy.

AIDSETI also supports the complementary programs of the associations which enhance treatment adherence and quality, as well as home, hospice, and orphan care programs. Member-associations already provide counseling and training in positive living skills, and where resources permit, access to HIV medications. The network's policies now includes the purchase of generic drugs.

AIDSETI is based on the Association-Driven Care and Treatment (ADCT) model for HIV/AIDS, which promotes the principles of co-production and participatory learning. The network has also developed and tested a web-based cross-country patient management system and a comprehensive operational manual. The manual describes the network management system, medical guidelines and procedures, patient selection criteria, pharmaceutical procurement and management, and financial management and accountability systems for the associations.

We welcome you to join in our effort to stop the HIV/AIDS holocaust by donating, volunteering or sharing your experience with us.