AHF Welcomes Mexico's Dr. Jorge Saavedra as Its New Chief of Global Affairs.

Internationally-Recognized for His Accomplishments as the Head of Mexico's National HIV/AIDS Program and for His Successful Advocacy Work, Dr. Saavedra Will Oversee AHF's Global Medical Care, Prevention and Advocacy Programs in Twenty Countries in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Asia

LOS ANGELES -- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is pleased to announce that Jorge Saavedra, MD, MPH, MHPM, has joined the AHF leadership team as its new Chief of Global Affairs. Dr. Saavedra brings to the position a breadth of knowledge and experience as an HIV/AIDS physician, an internationally-recognized advocate and, most recently, as the General Director of CENSIDA, Mexico's National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS. As Chief of Global Affairs for AHF, Dr. Saavedra will be based in Amsterdam, Holland at the organization's Global Secretariat office, and will oversee AHF's global efforts, including prevention and advocacy initiatives, and the delivery of medical care and/or services in 20 countries outside of the U.S., in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Asia.

As the head of CENSIDA--a position he held since 2003--Dr. Saavedra led the successful effort to provide access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy to all Mexican citizens living with HIV/AIDS through the national health system. Having joined the national HIV/AIDS program in 1997, Dr. Saavedra founded the first HIV/AIDS ambulatory care clinic in Mexico in 2000--the Clinica Condesa--which has grown into the largest HIV/AIDS provider in Mexico currently caring for 3,000 patients. The Mexican government has now established fifty-two sites based on his successful model under the name CAPASITS. Dr. Saavedra was also instrumental in bringing the XVII International AIDS Conference to Mexico City in 2008--the first time the conference had been held in a Latin American country. Since 2006, he has served as a volunteer Board Member for AHF, whose global operations include three free HIV/AIDS clinics in Mexico and one in Guatemala.

"AHF is delighted to welcome Dr. Jorge Saavedra to the AHF management team in his new leadership role as head of our global programs," said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. "Throughout his public service career, Dr. Saavedra has continually demonstrated his commitment to providing treatment and care to people living with HIV/AIDS and has worked diligently to expand access to HIV prevention and testing for undeserved populations. In his three years of service as an AHF Board Member, he has brought dedication, passion and technical expertise to all of his efforts on behalf of the organization. We look forward to building on our past successes together as he takes on this exciting new role within the organization."

An outspoken advocate on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment issues, Dr. Saavedra designed and led the first official government-approved media campaign to promote the use of condoms in Mexico. He has also been out front with regard to the need to address stigma, discrimination and homophobia in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Mexico and around the world. Joining with AIDS Healthcare Foundation and a coalition of Mexican advocacy groups, Dr. Saavedra has been a key leader in the campaign to lower the cost of antiretroviral medications. His participation in recent successful lobbying efforts aimed at pharmaceutical companies and the Mexican government has resulted in increased access to lifesaving treatment for those in need.

"I am pleased to be joining the AHF team as Chief of Global Affairs and am looking forward to deepening my work on behalf of the organization--saving lives through the delivery of cutting-edge medicine and fearless advocacy," said Dr. Saavedra. "I am especially gratified to have the opportunity to contribute to the expansion of AHF's global HIV testing and prevention efforts and proud to be part of an organization working so tirelessly in the areas of HIV prevention through the scale-up of condom distribution, mass testing and linkage to lifesaving treatment and care for those testing positive. These efforts are integral to the fight against global AIDS."

Dr. Saavedra received his medical degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and earned Master degrees in both public health and health policy and management from Harvard University.

ABOUT AHF

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the nation's largest non-profit HIV/AIDS organization. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 95,000 individuals in 21 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Asia. Additional information is available at www.aidshealth.org.