Load Zero Foundation
: saving people with HIV one test at a time : improving access to HIV treatment through viral load testing

  • Ana Leonor Duarte de Andrade (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

The present dissertation, written in the form of a case study, aims to present the Load Zero Foundation (LZF), an American non-for-profit organization dedicated to funding HIV viral load testing in the developing world. The organization was founded in 2013 and is now in the process of gathering the funds to implement its first full low cost laboratory entirely dedicated to viral load testing. We will examine LZF’s fundraising efforts so far and suggest some future strategies for gathering the rest of the funds needed. In the following pages we will introduce the dissertation outline and then provide the reader with an overview of the main literature collected about HIV, viral load testing, Haiti and its history in AIDS relief and finally, funding options for NGOs. Afterwards, the case study presents the LZF as a social enterprise, providing an overview of its strategies and operations - while referring to the importance of viral load testing in the fight against HIV. Lately, the case study examines the evolution of funding for organizations, and how far the LZF is gathering the funds for its first laboratory. Finally we provide teaching notes for inclass discussion about the case study, and conclude with final remarks and possible recommendations for the LZF on future fundraising strategies.
Date of Award28 Apr 2015
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorSusana Frazão Ferreira Fernandes Pinheiro (Supervisor)

Designation

  • Mestrado em Gestão

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