AIFO

AIFO is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), reaching all over Italy through its active members (about 700 volunteers, joined in 45 official Groups). The Association carries out and supports development actions at international level (113 actions in 24 countries in Asia, Africa, and South America), in collaboration with local NGOs, grass-root organisations, missionaries and governmental authorities. AIFO is a founding member of ILEP (Federation of Anti-Leprosy Organisations), of IDDC (International Disability & Development Consortium). It is also in official relationship with the World Health Organisation (WHO), in particular an active collaboration with the Disability and Rehabilitation Unit of WHO (WHO/DAR), in order to promote Community Based Rehabilitation approach (CBR). AIFO collaborates actively also with UN agencies, like UNICEF, UNESCO, ILO and UNHCR. It is recognised by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and by the European Union Commission (EU) for managing actions in the framework of international development co-operation. MISSION AIFO chose to focus its activities in supporting leprosy-affected persons, through integrated and sustainable development actions, with particular attention towards the poorest and vulnerable groups of persons, in a spirit of partnership. At the same time the Association promotes activities of development education in Italy, raising awareness and for a better understanding of causes underlying poverty. FUNDAMENTAL VALUES - Respect of human rights of all persons and especially those affected by leprosy. - Believing in social justice, dignity and equality of all peoples. - Opposing any kind of discrimination, especially towards persons affected by leprosy, persons with disabilities and marginalised persons. ACTION The actions supported by AIFO focus three areas: leprosy control in an integrated Primary Health Care setting; rehabilitation of persons with disabilities in community development setting (Community Based Rehabilitation approach - CBR).