President of AAS recognised for his contribution to the community and to Burkina Faso

31 January 2006

The president of Burkina Faso has recognised the work and commitment of Alliance implementing partner Association African Solidarité (AAS) and its president Issoufou Tiendrebeogo, by awarding him the Chevalier de l’ordre du Mérite. The award, equivalent to a UK knighthood, is issued to people who have contributed most to their communities and country, and is presented on Independence Day.

“This award further encourages and motivates us to continue developing and strengthening the valuable work AAS does to improve the lives of Burkinabe people and Africans living with HIV/AIDS,” said Issoufou.

“As a person living with HIV, working and living in Africa, this award is a sign that a positive person can have a successful life, while being on treatment as I have been for the past seven years. It is also recognition of the advantages I have had, having stayed alive for seven years to receive this award. If much more effort had been made earlier there would be millions like me receiving treatment and millions of African lives saved.”

AAS is one of the leading civil society organisations responding to HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso, especially in ARV provision. With Alliance support, it has grown from a small association of friends to a recognised NGO in Burkina and West Africa. AAS’s Projet Orange has demonstrated how communities can take the lead in ensuring that health services and HIV/AIDS care reaches those who need it. At a national workshop held in October 2005 to share lessons learned from Projet Orange with national stakeholders, the head of Burkina Faso’s National AIDS Council recognised the importance of the project in improving the health and living conditions of people living with HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso.

Alliance executive director Alvaro Bermejo congratulated all at AAS: “The recognition of AAS’s commitment to community care and support is an inspiration to all of the organisations that make up the Alliance. We are all very proud of AAS’s achievements.”