Experience Required

More than 3 years

Required Skills

Research

Data Analysis

Reporting

Kobotoolbox

FAITH (Friends Affected & Infected Together in Hand) is a not for profit, non-governmental organisation working on behalf of socially marginalized and vulnerable populations. It is a national level women-led organization i.e., women are in decision making positions like on the executive board, as general members, in its secretariat.

Our Journey

FAITH emerged in response to a national movement advocating for health rights for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and people who use drugs (PWUD). In the early 2000s, many faced severe illnesses and succumbed to AIDS due to inadequate medical care, pervasive stigma, and government indifference. Communities began forming support networks, aided by international partners’ technical and financial support, leading to the establishment of nationwide organizations often led by those directly affected.

In 2005, FAITH was founded with a mission to create a supportive community for those infected and affected by HIV. From the outset, the organization prioritized advocacy for favorable policies, empowerment, and the transformation of social norms over direct service delivery. The combined efforts of FAITH and similar organizations significantly expanded HIV services, providing hope for productive and fulfilling lives for those living with HIV.

Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of people living with HIV to Tuberculosis (TB), FAITH pioneered programs for TB screening and treatment, now a life-saving standard protocol. This achievement underscored the need to address broader challenges. Adolescents and women living with HIV, female sex workers, and women who use drugs continue to face barriers to accessing health and human rights, prompting FAITH to broaden its scope.

In 2015, FAITH declared itself a women-led organization, marking a pivotal moment in its evolution. The organization expanded its initiatives to include advocacy for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), prevention of gender-based violence, economic empowerment, gender equality, and social equity. Today, FAITH empowers and supports female and trans sex workers, women who use drugs, women living with HIV, girls and women from indigenous and Dalit communities, individuals with disabilities, and those marginalized by geographic isolation, political exclusion, or economic hardships.

Collaborating with beneficiary-led Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), FAITH continues to address crucial issues and foster positive change. Our journey has been a profound learning experience, offering insights into our community and strategies to make governance more responsive and accountable. We are committed to leveraging these lessons to drive innovation and create a society that embraces dignity and equality for vulnerable and marginalized populations.