Small, grassroots organizations are turning the tide of AIDS in Africa at the community level. The staff and volunteers of these organizations are unwavering in their commitment to save lives and provide support to all who need it. They are the frontline experts, restoring hope in every home, classroom and community.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) exists to strengthen these grassroots organizations. Since 2003, we have partnered with 300 community-based organizations and have funded more than 700 initiatives in the 15 countries hardest hit by the AIDS pandemic in Africa.

Before we collaborate with an organization, one of our Field Representatives visits to assess its connection to the community, its ability to implement programmes and its financial accountability systems. The field visit is also an important opportunity to build a relationship with the organization and foster an open, trusting and responsive partnership.

Through regular field visits and frequent contact with community-based partners’ programme staff in Africa, we are able to ensure that our collaboration inspires the best possible results. This includes working with organizations to ensure that they can meet their operating costs, salaries and stipends for home-based care workers, all of which are critical to ensuring that the day-to-day work can continue. We also communicate regularly with the staff of each partner organization so we can ensure that our approach respects their expertise, and promotes sustainability.

We now know – and the evidence is clearer than ever – that the fastest and most effective way to collaborate effectively is through working with small, committed, community-based organizations. They are the frontline experts. And they will turn the tide of AIDS in Africa at the community level.

For more information on the role African grandmothers play in their communities, click here.

For further information on the critical work being done by community organizations to turn the tide of AIDS in Africa, please click here to visit the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s website.