Dignitas International

Dignitas International is a medical humanitarian organization that focuses on increasing access to healthcare for communities affected by HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Founded in 2004, the organization is based in Toronto, Canada, and operates in several countries, including Malawi and Zimbabwe.

History

Dignitas International was established in 2004 by Dr. James Orbinski and James Fraser. Dr. Orbinski, a former president of Doctors Without Borders, and Fraser, a film producer, were motivated by the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and the lack of access to antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings.

Programs

Dignitas International operates several programs aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes. These include:

• HIV/AIDS Treatment Program: This program provides antiretroviral therapy to people living with HIV/AIDS in resource-limited settings. It also includes a focus on mother-to-child transmission prevention.

• Tuberculosis Program: This program focuses on improving diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, a common co-infection in people living with HIV/AIDS.

• Health Systems Strengthening Program: This program works to improve the overall health system in the areas where Dignitas International operates, including training healthcare workers and improving healthcare infrastructure.

Impact

Since its inception, Dignitas International has provided antiretroviral therapy to over 250,000 people and has trained more than 5,000 healthcare workers. The organization's work has been recognized by the World Health Organization and other international bodies.

See also

• Doctors Without Borders
• Global health
• HIV/AIDS in Africa