Positiiviset ry HivFinland is an advocacy organisation for people living with HIV. It aims to maintain and improve the well-being of people living with HIV. We aim to prevent new HIV infections and promote sexual health.
We offer sexual counselling, life management discussions and counselling based on the needs of the client, among other things.
Positiiviset ry HivFinland as an organisation
Positiiviset ry HivFinland is a non-governmental organisation (NGO). This means that Positiiviset is not a governmental authority or a company, but an autonomous and independent organisation whose existence is based on civil action. The funding for Positiiviset comes from the Finnish state, but neither the state nor any other body has any influence on the planning or implementation of our activities.
The operations of Positiiviset ry HivFinland are also guided by the community of people living with HIV. At least half of the board of of Positiiviset is made up of people living with HIV, and services are provided on the principle of “by people living with HIV, for people living with HIV”.
Positiiviset is the only patient organisation for people living with HIV in Finland, and it acts as an expert on HIV and living with HIV throughout Finland.
In Finland, NGOs have a long tradition of providing and developing social and healthcare services. NGOs are non-profit organisations specialised in their target demographics. The Nordic welfare state model is based on a strong state and a strong civil society. NGOs are a part of civil society.
Positiiviset also has plenty of cooperation with a variety of partners. Our main partners are other NGOs and infectious diseases outpatient clinics and their staff. We are well connected to different healthcare institutions around Finland, and we are always ready to help with questions or challenging situations related to matters such as the treatment of HIV.
The purpose of the organisation is to
- act as a patient organisation for people living with HIV and AIDS,
- promote the well-being of people living with HIV and their loved ones,
- support people living with HIV and their loved ones,
- prevent discrimination and exclusion; and
- improve the overall quality of life for people living with HIV.
All activities of Positiiviset ry HivFinland are focused on reducing stigma and prejudice against people living with HIV. The organisation’s mission is to reduce new HIV infections in Finland by encouraging people to seek out HIV testing.
The views of people living with HIV and their loved ones guide our operations at all levels. In the organisation’s joint meetings, premises and life management courses, People living with HIV and their loved ones can meet people in similar life situations.
Our mission as an NGO is to be a peer support and advocacy organisation for people living with HIV.
Our goal is to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV and their loved ones and to change attitudes in society for the better.
Our aim is to identify and find new ways of dealing with the ever-changing life situations of people living with HIV and to promote well-being.
The Board
Positiiviset ry HivFinland’s Board of Directors consists of a chair, eight members and one deputy member. The Board is elected by the organisation’s general meeting and its term of office is one calendar year.
Board members are elected for two calendar years at a time. Half of the members of the Board stand down each year. A Board member standing may stand for re-election. There is no term limit for Board members. People living with HIV always make up the majority of the Board. The Board meets 6–8 times a year. There are also other working groups that meet when necessary. The statutory meetings of the organisation are held in the spring and autumn.
Financing
The organisation’s activities are mainly funded by an annual general grant from STEA, the Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations. Membership of Positiiviset ry HivFinland is open to all people living with HIV, their loved ones and those interested in promoting their well-being and quality of life.