AIFO
We include
we care
About us
AIFO is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1961 and headquartered in Bologna, Italy. Its core mandate is to promote inclusive and community-based development, with a special focus on the rights, empowerment, and social inclusion of persons with disabilities and people affected by leprosy and other marginalized conditions.
AIFO’s work is grounded in the principles of human dignity, social justice, and the rights-based approach, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization prioritizes Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID), aiming to remove barriers to access and participation across key sectors such as health, education, livelihoods, and social protection.
AIFO operates across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It works in partnership with local organizations, government institutions, and community structures to improve access to services and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.
AIFO is a member of
international networks including: International Disability and Development
Consortium (IDDC); International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations
(ILEP).
Global health, inclusion and dignity to ensure that nobody is marginalized.
VISION
We work WITH and FOR vulnerable people and people with disabilities worldwide to ensure HEALTH, INCLUSION AND DIGNITY. We value local resources and engage networks of people, communities, and institutions to generate equitable and sustainable change. We contribute to strengthening inclusive medical systems. Since 1999 we have been a non-state actor in an official relationship with the WHO.
MISSION
AIFO defend everyone's right to be well
We are an organisation that defends everyone’s right to health, inclusion, happiness and freedom. We work every day worldwide and in Italy to allow the most vulnerable people to access healthcare and social inclusion.
In our international cooperation projects and our activities across Italy, we fight against inequality and discrimination. We collaborate with grassroots organizations and partners to concretely meet the needs of people with disabilities and illnesses, to empower women, and to support anyone in disadvantaged situations.
AIFO is the organisation that was founded to fight leprosy and now defends everyone’s right to health, inclusion, peace, happiness and freedom.
We are an NGO involved in International Cooperation, we contribute to the strengthening health systems by making them inclusive, since 1999 we have been a non-state actor in official relationship with WHO.
We believe that every person has the right to enjoy a good live, no matter what their physical and social condition is.
We care
Our core value is care. We view it both as the ability to put the attention to other people first, and as a guarantee of health. True health is not just about a physical condition but is a balanced harmony between body and mind, individual and society. We believe that the dignity of people lies in their right to reach personal well-being, in their uniqueness, and in their capacity to contribute to society in different ways.
We include
Inclusion is closely linked to our concept of health. It is the process of creating accessible environments where every person feels welcomed, valued, and integrated in the community. Inclusion means breaking down the barriers that hinder equal participation and promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and collaboration. Inclusion is more than simple integration and tolerance of diversity: it implies recognizing and appreciating the fact that each person is unique, ensuring that everyone has the same chances for success and well-being.
An inclusive idea of cooperation
We interpret cooperation as exchange, based on mutual respect and recognition of each other’s value.
Participative
Because it involves people, communities and local partners.
Holistic
Because it takes into account all aspects of the lives of the people it is aimed at.
Circular
Because it involves the transfer of knowledge acquired between different projects and in different parts of the world.
Where we are in the world
Countries we are present in
- Italy
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mozambique
- Tunisia
- India
- Mongolia
- Brazil
Ongoing projects
People reached through our actions in 2024
Areas of action
Inclusive health
- Promotion of primary care with focus on maternal and child health, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Non-Communicable Diseases, rehabilitation and mental health.
- Strengthening of the “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health.
Socio-economic inclusion
- Supporting the economic empowerment of vulnerable people, especially people with disabilities, by ensuring their access to employment.to non superiore al 10% del reddito complessivo dichiarato;
- Support to local communities to facilitate the access of vulnerable people, especially people with disabilities, to education.
Crisis response
- Support for local resilience and mitigation of climate and migration risks.
- Training and expert support in identifying the needs of vulnerable people in humanitarian crisis contexts.
Support to local institutions
- Training and technical assistance to local institutions on care and inclusion.
- Training to local and international NGOs and UN Agencies on methodologies and approaches of which AIFO has experience.
The methodology that inspires us: Community-Based Inclusive Development
The methodology chosen to implement our projects, namely Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID), is an integral part of them and integrates several elements. First of all, it is essential for us to build partnerships with other institutional and non-institutional actors, acting at different levels (international, national, community) and involving different skills.
We aim to involve all those who have governmental responsibilities on issues of health and inclusion or who animate a community. Only in this way, in fact, can effective, sustainable and lasting interventions be built. Furthermore, in the specific field of inclusion, our action moves on a double track. On the one hand, we want to ensure that the issue of disability is integrated into all practices and policies. On the other, we promote and implement specific initiatives aimed at people with disabilities.
Our partners
