8 | Q4 2021 10 | Greater London Enterprise Awards 2021 While originally based in London, the international application of the team’s hard work has achieved some truly stunning results. In just five years, the impact of the Actionplus Foundation’s innovative approach could be seen through the reduction of the country’s rate of HIV infection. This dropped dramatically from 3.6% to 1.3%. As a result of such an incredible achievement, Fred was made one of the recipients of the African Prestigious Awards in Accra, Ghana, in 2015. This placed him amongst such notable luminary figures as the Presidents of Ghana and Tanzania. As the project became more successful, it opened the door for Actionplus Foundation to explore new avenues through which it could reach more people. The aim of the organisation has always been to destigmatise HIV/AIDS, and support those who suffer from the consequences of it, but over the last twenty years, the methods used have needed to develop. The partnerships that the Actionplus Foundation has established have been a major benefit to the organisation as a whole. In the UK, for example, the charity is firmly connected with the Mountain Movers Chapel International Church and the Living Flames Baptist Church to name but two. These locations provide vital support for the overall aims of Actionplus Foundation, offering a space for HIV testing centres around the UK and in African countries. That the stigma has been overcome to the point of welcoming potentially HIV-positive people into the sanctuary of a church is a credit to the astonishing work done by the team over the last few years. While the Actionplus Foundation team do such good work, they do so without a great deal of public funding. Much of their ability to maintain the services they offer, and to grow into other parts of the world, comes from the team’s ability to connect with local people who will support their ambitions. Since first opening its doors, the charity has only ever been funded twice by the Big Lottery Fund, despite applying every year. The challenges presented by a lack of money have clearly not stalled the team, however. Their impressive vision has ensured that they continue to reach into new and exciting areas to support the most vulnerable in our society. The team’s outreach reflects the evangelistic style of the church, reaching out into new communities and taking advantage of any opportunity to spread the news not only of God’s love, but of what this love means for those who are often stigmatised and ignored by society. Since founding Actionplus Foundation, Fred has become one of the country’s leading advocates of HIV prevention, and is regularly invited to appear on both radio and television, as well as to speak at conferences and events. His incredible wealth of experience, combined with his long history of education and outreach, makes him an amazing ambassador who can reach into new areas that have often been ignored. During the last year and a half, the charity has had to pivot its efforts to support people in these unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has put enormous strain on people and communities at every level of society, and Actionplus Foundation has become an essential rallying point for those who want to make a real difference in the world. Those who test positive for the coronavirus while also being HIV/AIDS victims are at more risk than others and so this sense of community is vital to making them feel welcomed and looked after during difficult times. The team has pulled together to adapt, and the results speak for themselves. For many people, the church is a place synonymous with stigma and shame. It is where our sins are laid down and exposed for all to see. Fred has transformed many churches, changing this message to one which embraces God’s love for His creation. It has been a long, hard road and the journey is not over yet. When Fred first started Actionplus Foundation, he founded it with the intention of helping the people of Southwark, one of the communities with the highest prevalence of HIV in the UK. It still holds that unfortunate title, but the situation is much improved. This is due, in no small part, to the incredible work ethic and inspiration of Fred Osei Annin. He stands at the heart of Actionplus Foundation. His vision of spreading the word about HIV/AIDS prevention, through the prism of God’s love, is one which has transformed communities not just in London, but around the world. It’s why nearly 25 years after being founded, Actionplus Foundation was named the Most Dedicated HIV Health & Wellness Organisation 2021 in the Greater London Enterprise Awards. Company: Actionplus Foundation Name: Apostle Fred Annin Email: info@actionplusfoundation.org Fred is the first Pentecostal Pastor to lead this campaign, single handedly around the world.
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