On the 4th of November 2022, HIVSA hosted a high-level USAID site visit that took place at Ratang Bana Future for Children, HIVSA’s sub-partner in Alexandra, Johannesburg led by a dynamic Project Manager, Mrs Ingrid Maredi. It was a great honour to host two key officials #USAID, Dr. Atul Gawande, Assistant Administrator for Global Health and Mr Han Kang, A Senior-level officer with the U.S. Foreign Service, working with Washington and Mission colleagues in efforts toward ending the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. Also in attendance were members of the South African USAID Office of HIV/AIDS, the Department of Social Development and HIVSA Senior team members. The visitors observed “a day in the life” of activities taking place at the site which is currently implementing the USAID-funded Preventing HIV/AIDS in Vulnerable Populations (PHVP) Program, led by HIVSA. The visit provided the guests with the opportunity to meet and engage program beneficiaries (adolescents and their caregivers) participating in the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) program to learn how USG-supported programs and resources have improved their health and well-being.
Beneficiaries happily and openly shared their experiences outlining the successes of the program. HIVSA appreciates the ongoing partnership with community partners such as Ratang Bana, who work tirelessly to improve the lives of young people and caregivers in their communities.