On World Aids Day 2014, North Star Alliance is again reminded of the fact that by working together, a healthy future for mobile populations is possible. Public-private partnerships are what makes this into a reality, and we are very proud to welcome the Department of Health South Africa – specifically the Free State Department of Health, and Liberty Foundation, to our Alliance.

With great thanks to the support of Department of Health South Africa, we have been able to today (yes! World Aids Day) reopen our Ficksburg Roadside Wellness Centre in South Africa. Due to funding shortfalls, this clinic had to be temporarily suspended, however the Free State Department of Health generously sourced funding for this clinic so that we can continue operations, providing vital services in the region to truck drivers, sex workers, and local community members. 

In addition, Liberty Foundation has recently confirmed their donation of a Laboratory in Kenya, alongside one of our existing Roadside Wellness Centres. Due to open next year, the laboratory will provide clients and the local community with easy access to testing facilities, increasing the likelihood of health concerns being followed up promptly rather than delayed until there’s an opportunity to travel to a laboratory or some money saved up for the costs.

On behalf of the global team at North Star, we welcome you all to our Alliance, and thank you for believing in our cause and investing in the future of Africa’s hard-to-reach populations.