A Morning of Insight: Lessons from 20+ Years in the Fight Against HIV and AIDS

On Wednesday, 27 November, One to One Children’s Fund and UBS Optimus Foundation hosted an exclusive Funders Breakfast Roundtable Debate at UBS’s offices in London. This intimate gathering brought together thought leaders, donors, and experts from the global health, philanthropy, and community development sectors to reflect on over two decades of peer-led, community-driven social development programmes in South Africa.

Professor Rudzani Muloiwa, a leading expert in child health and communicable diseases, joined One to One Children’s Fund founder, David Altschuler, and UBS Optimus Foundation Deputy CEO, Nalini Tarakeshwar, in conversation. The event focused on drawing lessons from South Africa’s fight against HIV and AIDS, exploring topics such as localisation, the evolving landscape of development and funding from the global north, and the urgency of re-prioritising the eradication of HIV.

The dialogue sparked meaningful discussions on healthcare system strengthening, the importance of centring communities in development work, and the role of philanthropy in driving catalytic change. Participants delved into the progress and challenges of localising development decision-making, while also considering how the principles of resilience, collaboration, and innovation can shape impactful approaches to global health.

This morning of collaboration reinforced the power of partnerships and the potential of community-driven models to inform and inspire new strategies for tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. As the fight against HIV and AIDS continues, this conversation served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we work together towards a shared goal.

We look forward to continuing these critical conversations in the future and are deeply grateful to all those who joined us for this important event.