Our Work

Our Work

amfAR’s mission is to end the global HIV/AIDS epidemic through innovative research.

amfAR is a leading nonprofit advancing scientific discovery to improve global health, with a primary and enduring commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As a catalyst for breakthrough science, amfAR supports innovative research in HIV and other diseases where viruses and the immune system play a critical role. Since 1985, amfAR has raised more than $950 million and awarded in excess of 3,900 grants to scientists worldwide.

amfAR’s top research priority is the pursuit of a cure for HIV/AIDS. From 2015 to 2020, we invested close to $53 million in 109 cure-focused research projects in 15 countries. Grants and fellowships support teams of scientists pursuing innovative strategies including cell and gene therapy, shock and kill, and post-treatment control. Many of these are supported through the amfAR Research Consortium on HIV Eradication, or ARCHE, launched in 2010 to accelerate the pace of cure research. Additionally, amfAR fellowships allow talented young researchers to conduct original investigations under the guidance of experienced scientists, helping to ensure the long-term vitality of AIDS research.

Informed by thorough research and analysis, amfAR is a highly respected advocate of rational and compassionate HIV/AIDS-related public policy. The Foundation is engaged in efforts to secure necessary increases in funding for HIV/AIDS research and global HIV/AIDS programs, expand access to treatment and care for marginalized populations, advocate harm reduction policies aimed at reducing the spread of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) among people who inject drugs, and protect the civil rights of all people affected by or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

A young girl visits her pediatrician in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: Kevin Tachman)

Established in 2001, amfAR’s TREAT Asia program (Therapeutics Research, Education, and AIDS Training in Asia) is a collaborative network of clinics, hospitals, research institutions, and civil society that is working to ensure the safe and effective delivery of HIV treatments to adults and children across the Asia-Pacific through research, education and advocacy. The network currently encompasses 18 pediatric and 21 adult sites throughout the region.

See how our work and investments in bold research are expanding hope for millions worldwide.