2007 Award for the Defence of the Human Rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS

ADAC, Mali

ADAC (Association pour le Developpement et l’Appui Communautaire) works in the Sikasso region of Mali, where the prevalence of HIV is much higher compared with the rest of the country.

ADAC has been working to decrease the stigmatisation and marginalisation of people living with HIV/AIDS since 1995.

As a result of ADAC's efforts, over 4,807 individuals have been referred for HIV/AIDS testing - 13% of whom have turned out to be HIV positive. They have created two counselling centres which are based in rural localities. Their programmes provide continual medical and psycho-social monitoring of HIV-infected people and their families. These achievements have significantly increased the solidarity between the wider local community and people living with HIV.

The judges commended ADAC’s remarkable efforts in tackling HIV/AIDS at a grassroots level, especially within very closeknit communities. They consistently approach complex situations with sensitivity.