Officially registered in Bucharest on April 10, 1992, as a non-governmental organization, ARAS started with the information and education of all categories of the population on the danger represented by AIDS and on the means of preventing HIV infection; with support for PLHIV and their families and with advocacy for human rights. Thirty years later, ARAS mission is to increase the quality of life for the general population and for vulnerable groups, through direct services and advocacy for access to medical and social services in the field of HIV, TB, Hepatitis, STIs. Currently, ARAS offers medical and social assistance services, material, moral and psychological assistance for PLHIV, and people affected by Hepatitis, TB, STI, from general population and all vulnerable categories (MSM, intravenous drug users, homeless, migrants, Roma ethnic minority, etc).

ARAS is a member of COALITION PLUS, playing an active role in advocacy, legislative changes and representing vulnerable people.

Objectives

Preventing HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs); promoting non-discrimination against people living with HIV and populations at risk of infection; reducing the psychological, medical and social impact of HIV infection, hepatitis B and C and other STIs; increasing the capacity of institutions, professionals, associations of people affected by HIV/AIDS, civil society, etc. to provide an adequate and adapted response to the issue of HIV/AIDS infection in the contemporary context.

GAT – Group of Activists in Treatments is a Portuguese non-profit organisation created in 2001 and officially registered in 2003. It brings together people from different communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Led by people living with or affected by HIV, GAT works to improve policies and practices that impact the health, rights, and quality of life of people living with or at higher risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted infections. GAT’s main focus is on direct services for key populations in Portugal, including men who have sex with men, people who use drugs, sex workers, and migrants. Its community centres offer free and anonymous testing for HIV, viral hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as medical consultations and, more recently, GAT also provides decentralised access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). GAT also has a long history of advocacy and leadership in harm reduction. It currently runs a harm reduction centre in central Lisbon that is nationally and internationally recognised for its integrated services and strong peer-led approach. The centre includes supervised consumption spaces and offers support tailored to people who use drugs in highly vulnerable situations. A dedicated service for people who engage in chemsex is also being developed. On the south bank of Lisbon, GAT runs a mobile harm reduction team that provides outreach, support, and safer use materials directly in the community. These interventions are closely linked to GAT’s ongoing advocacy for drug policy reform and investment in inclusive, community-based health services.

HOPS – Healthy Options Project Skopje is a citizens’ association that envisions a society where everyone’s human rights and freedoms are equally respected, and they enjoy social, health, and economic well-being.
Since 1997, HOPS has been actively implementing its programs in Skopje and other cities across North Macedonia. That same year, it became the first organization in the Republic of Macedonia to introduce needle and syringe exchange programs to prevent HIV/AIDS among drug users and their families. In 2000, it launched the country’s first support program for sex workers and their families in Skopje. Since then, HOPS has successfully developed and implemented programs to improve the health and socioeconomic status of marginalized communities. Their work is guided by the principles of harm reduction and focuses on providing equal access to services, strengthening communities, building capacity, and conducting research, analysis, and advocacy.
In recognition of its work, HOPS received the 2010 International HIV/AIDS and Human Rights Award, presented by the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Human Rights Watch.

Re Generation is a youth-led organization working on advocacy, scientific research, education, and activities aimed at reducing harms related to the use of psychoactive substances, as well as promoting the improvement of public health. Since its founding, the organization has been advocating for innovative programs and a shift in attitudes toward drug policies in the Republic of Serbia, with a focus on sustainable harm reduction programs and the protection of the human rights of marginalized populations in Serbian society. For years, the organization has actively participated in drug policy reform at both the national and international levels, promoting public health and safeguarding human rights.

Re Generation directs its activities toward various marginalized communities and populations at heightened risk, with particular focus on people who use drugs, the nightlife and festival community, young people at risk, the LGBTQI+ community, and other vulnerable groups. In addition, the organization has developed recognized expertise in digital counseling related to psychoactive substances, as well as extensive knowledge and practice in addressing issues related to new psychoactive substances (NPS).