why AIDS Ark

AIDS Ark was founded in 2002 by Derek Frost and Jeremy Norman.

At that time, ARVs were freely available in rich countries but barely available at all in developing countries. The situation was dire – millions of people were contracting and needlessly dying of HIV-associated illnesses.

AIDS Ark’s aim is to fund the delivery of ARVs to named individuals in developing countries. We work with doctors on the ground who have patients in need of ARVs but who have no other means of accessing them. These are people not yet being reached by governments or by the larger organisations combating HIV – such as the Global Fund to Fight HIV.

Though ARVs in richer countries can cost in excess of £10,000 per person per year, AIDS Ark is able to secure first line ARVs from generic manufacturers in developing countries at a fraction of that price.

Our guiding principles

AIDS Ark saves lives by enabling access to HIV medication and associated care at the frontiers of the developing world. The charity works to identify suitable medical clinics in remote regions that treat HIV+ patients.

We work to:

• Fund the supply of “generic” ARVs, to those of their most needy patients who are unable to access this medication
• Provide additional medical care and support to ensure the ARV treatment is effective
• Increase impact of funding by introducing these opportunities to larger NGOs

 
AIDS Ark currently provides doctors approximately £300 per patient per annum to cover the combined cost of ARVs and associated medical care. The organisation is entirely run by volunteers and all overheads are paid by its Trustees.

From 2002 AIDS Ark has helped to save the lives of hundreds of individuals. Importantly, saving a life often means saving a family’s life.