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A.I.L.E.S

AILES is a non-governmental organization based in Mauritius that works to support and empower key populations affected by HIV, hepatitis C, drug use and social exclusion. Since its founding, AILES has focused on harm reduction, health education, psychosocial support and advocacy to improve the lives of marginalized communities. The association provides services to people living with HIV or hepatitis C, people who use drugs, sex workers, transgender individuals, etc.

 

Its programs include HIV, hepatitis C, and STI prevention, methadone therapy support, legal and social accompaniment and community outreach initiatives. AILES also develops targeted projects for vulnerable children and families, such as Zanfan AILES, which offers prevention-based support. The organization collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National AIDS Secretariat, and various public and private stakeholders.

 

AILES is committed to reducing stigma, promoting human rights, and ensuring access to health services for all, regardless of background.


Accreditation Number with the National Social Inclusion: Accreditation Number with the National Social Inclusion Foundation: N/1381

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President
Christophe MOURA
Person in Charge
Ashvin GUNGARAM
Services offered

Services offered to target beneficiaries: 

  • People living with HIV (PLHIV): Provide adults, adolescents and children medical and psychosocial support.
  • People who use drugs (PWUD): People who inject drugs can also benefit from harm reduction services like methadone therapy, needle exchange, and psychosocial follow-up.
  • Sex Workers: Provide support through our outreach program, offer legal assistance, provide sexual and reproductive health services, and rights advocacy.
  • Transgender individuals: Provide tailored healthcare access, psychosocial support, and human rights protection.
  • Men who have sex with men (MSM): run STI prevention sessions, mental health support and community-based programs to reduce stigma and risk.
  • People living with or at risk of hepatitis C: Hepatitis testing, run awareness campaigns, and facilitate access to treatment pathways.
  • Vulnerable children and adolescents: Children infected or affected by HIV or living in hard-to-reach or unstable environments. For example, through the Zanfan AILES program.
  • Families of key populations: Families of key populations benefit indirectly from psychosocial services, awareness campaigns, and family-centered care approaches.
  • The general population:  Reached through prevention programs focusing on HIV, hepatitis C, STIs, harm reduction, and sexual health education.

 

Services available: 

  • Medical and psychosocial accompaniment
  • HIV, Hepatitis C and syphilis testing
  • Awareness and Prevention
  • Support for Methadone Substitution Treatment
  • Needle Exchange Program (NEP)
  • Collection of used syringes
  • Counselling / Support group 
  • Home visit & family support
  • Outreach
  • Overdose Management
  • Prevention program for children: Zanfan AILES
History

AILES (Aides Infos Liberté Espoir et Solidarité) was founded in 2005. Between 2007 and 2009, many young drug users in Mangalkhan died from overdoses or infectious diseases related to Hepatitis C and HIV. Desperate parents were seeking support, advice, and guidance.

 

In 2008, focus groups were organized to give a voice to drug users in the region and their parents. Several drug users expressed a desire to quit but reported finding no support within their families or from the relevant authorities.

 

AILES was officially launched in November 2009 and received its first funding from the MCB Forward Foundation in 2010 for a project to support and monitor people who use drugs.

 

The founding members are primarily individuals from the Mangalkhan community who are directly affected by drug and HIV issues.

Objectives
  • Prevent risky behaviours and significantly reduce the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, and syphilis in Mauritius.
  • We achieve this through comprehensive harm reduction strategies and targeted actions designed to educate, protect, and support at-risk populations.
  • Our efforts aim to create a healthier and safer community for all.
Main achievements
  • Awards Gender Links 2015, Mauritius
  • 1st Prize Women for Change Award 2013 
  • 5th Prize Barclays Colours of Life 2016 
  • 4th Prize Gender Links Johannesburg 2011 
  • Special Commendation
Sources of funding
  • NSIF
  • Global Fund