LOS ANGELES, CA -- 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 52 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.

More Voices