Member Associations

Gestos is a philanthropic organization founded in 1993 by sociologist Acioli Neto, journalist Alessandra Nilo, sociologist Márcia Andrade and social worker Silvia Dantas. The first project developed was supported by MISEREOR and focused on psychological care for people living with AIDS, as well as the training of information multipliers in the poorest communities of the Metropolitan Region of Recife. Since then, they have effectively contributed to guaranteeing the human rights of people living with HIV and AIDS. About 70% of the people who have sought legal support from the institution have had their rights redressed, through precautionary measures and sentences, which today are even part of the list of jurisprudence on the subject of Law and AIDS. Throughout its history, the organization has considered communication as fundamental in the fight against AIDS and has fought to expand this understanding in Pernambuco, Brazil and Latin America. This vision has consolidated Gestos as an important reference in Communication and AIDS in the country, with special emphasis on discussions on Public Policies on Health Communication. They also help to form new civil society organizations, such as the National Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (RNPVHA - 1995), the Positive Work Group - GTP+ (2000), the Group of Positive Actions (2003), the Group of Support to HIV Positive People (GASP) 2003, Acts of Citizenship (2006). From 2007 to 2011, Gestos created and coordinated the UNGASS-AIDS Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Health, where it oversaw the implementation of agreements signed at the UN in sixteen developing countries. The UNGASS-AIDS Forum has established itself as a space for political debate on issues related to HIV and AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights. They are also a consultative NGO at the UN, with ECOSOC status since 2017.   Instagram Twitter

Founded in 1995, VerdeFam, Cape Verdean Association for the Protection of the Family, is a private, non-profit institution. Through fixed call centers (CinSaude) and mobile clinical posts, the Association offers a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, from family planning, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and pre-service and postnatal services to users. The team is supported by a large group of volunteers, adults and young people, an executive management and peer educators specially trained in different areas of intervention.  Due to its wide experience in SRH, VERDEFAM has been invited to participate in the discussions and elaborations of the national plans, studies and policies of Reproductive Health in Cape Verde  VERDEFAM works in partnership with several government departments, including the Ministry of Health and Social Security, the Cape Verdean Institute for Gender Equality and Equity (ICIEG), the Committee for the Coordination and fight against HIV and AIDS (CCS -SIDA), the Alcohol and Other Drugs Coordination Commission (CCAD), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Family and Social Inclusion. It should be noted that Verdefam is a member of the Advisory Council of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP).  As an NGO, it is affiliated with the Cape Verdean NGO Platform and is a member of its Board. The Association is also a permanent member of the Executive Secretariat of the AIDS Combat Coordination Committee - CCS / SIDA, is the Focal Point of the CPLP Civil Society Forum in Cape Verde for Health, Member of the Board of Directors of WANEP - CV, member of the Municipal Health Commission and member of the National Coordination Instance (CCN) of the program financed by the Global Fund. It should also be noted that VerdeFam has Cooperation protocols with the Ministry of Health, with all Health Stations, Central Hospitals and Municipal Councils where it operates.  VERDEFAM receives funds from UNFPA through the Ministry of Health of the Global Fund through the Committee for the Coordination and fight against HIV and AIDS (CCS-SIDA), ICIEG, and the Coalition PLUS.