More than half of the world's population lacks access to essential healthcare, and maternal mortality is disproportionately concentrated in low and lower-middle-income countries. Tragically, thousands of children lose their lives each day before their fifth birthday. Partners In Health (PIH) is on a mission to transform these alarming statistics and relentlessly advocates for global health equity.
With unwavering commitment, PIH's mission revolves around the fundamental principle that all lives are equal, and no life should be considered of lesser worth than another. Their dedication is centered on providing high-quality healthcare to those most in need worldwide, aligning closely with the ideals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In the field of HIV/AIDS, PIH has assumed a pioneering role in delivering care and treatment to underserved communities. They defied the notion that treatment wasn't feasible in impoverished regions and launched the HIV Equity Initiative in Haiti in 1998. This initiative not only provided comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment but also introduced community health workers to deliver medication and support patients through their treatment journeys. Today, PIH continues to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS by offering testing, counseling, and comprehensive care.
A glimpse into the organization's work in numbers over the past year:
Over 2.1 million home visits by community health workers
Administration of 821,000 COVID-19 screenings, spanning from borders to clinics and homes
Facilitation of 2.1 million women's health checkups worldwide
Hosting 2.8 million outpatient visits at our supported clinics
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission is an integral part of PIH's global HIV/AIDS program. Through prenatal care, expectant mothers are tested for HIV, and if found positive, they are provided with life-saving antiretroviral therapy to ensure the well-being of both mother and child. Educational workshops and public health campaigns also play a crucial role in raising awareness and preventing the spread of HIV.
In their pursuit of global health equity, PIH collaborates with ministries of health and community organizations, strengthening healthcare systems for long-term sustainability. Their efforts have contributed to the global success story in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with over 25 million people on antiretroviral therapy worldwide.
PIH's impact extends to global advocacy, influencing organizations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, PEPFAR, and the World Health Organization. By supporting the WHO and UNAIDS' 90-90-90 goals, PIH is actively working towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. They also champion an equity-based, human-centric approach to care that takes into account the unique needs of marginalized groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community.
Despite the progress made over the past three decades, there is still much work to be done. PIH remains committed to creating a world free from HIV and continuing their mission of providing high-quality healthcare to the most vulnerable, ultimately contributing to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals on a global scale. In the face of these challenges, PIH stands strong, active, and progressive, echoing the strategic message that global society is powerful and making a difference.
More information: pih.org
Youtube credits: @partnersinhealth