It is estimated that nearly 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. HIV/AIDS cases have been reported in all regions of the world, but most people living with HIV/AIDS reside in low-and middle-income countries, where most new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths occur.  The nations of sub-Saharan Africa have been particularly hard-hit and there is also increasing concern about the next wave of the epidemic, emerging in parts of Eastern Europe and Asia.  The epidemic is considered a threat to the economic well-being and social and political stability of many nations. Furthermore, the epidemic continues to affect industrialized nations, including the United States.

With such daunting figures, it is often hard to know how an individual can make a contribution to this very challenging and complicated public health crisis.  However, volunteer and community-based efforts have gone hand-in-hand with large-scale, multi-national public and private initiatives that are underway to help stem the tide of the epidemic.  There are several opportunities for students to get involved in various aspects of the fight against HIV/AIDS.  This guide is meant to help you begin your search for an internship related to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Things to consider:
This checklist outlines key considerations in exploring and designing an internship or volunteer experience working on HIV issues.  Learn more.

Internship and volunteer opportunities:
These organizations have opportunities for students who wish to work in the U.S. or abroad on some aspect of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  Some organizations sponsor work directly with people living with HIV/AIDS, while other internships are more policy and research-oriented.

This issue module includes a wide range of opportunities for students interested in volunteering on the AIDS epidemic, but it is not an exhaustive list.  If your organization sponsors an HIV-related internship or volunteer position that you would like to add to this list, please send an email to KaiserEDU@kff.org.  Please note that the Kaiser Family Foundation does not endorse any of the sponsoring organizations or the positions they offer.  If you are interested in applying for or learning more about a specific position, please contact the sponsoring organization.

U.S.-based

Overseas

Resources and Advocacy:
Interested in learning more about HIV/AIDS?  Want to get involved?  These organizations offer information about the different aspects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and help identify areas where students can make a difference.  Learn more.