A Sudanese women's non-governmental organization -- Widows, Orphans and People Living with HIV/Aids (WOPHA) – is one of 25 community-based bodies to win the coveted Red Ribbon Award for its work in reducing the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS.

"These organizations clearly demonstrate that effective responses to the epidemic require the full participation of front-line, community-based groups," said Jeffrey O'Malley, UNDP Global Director of HIV/AIDS Practice during the announcement in New York.

WOPHA Chairperson Grace Kadayi said in a statement that she felt privileged to receive the award on behalf the association.

The Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS grants the biennial global award, which celebrates outstanding community leadership and action on AIDS.

Eight Southern Sudanese women from Yei County in Central Equatoria State began WOPHA in 2003, after responding to a call by the American Refugee Committee (ARC) to be tested for HIV.

"We went for the testing and out of the eight, only two were negative," said WOPHA chairperson Grace Kadayi. "Though the result was very discouraging, we managed to encourage ourselves. Indeed, we did not die immediately as people thought we would. We continued working on income generating activities, counseling, sensitization and created awareness with the help of ARC among others."

Seven years later, WOPHA has increased access to anti-retroviral treatment for people living with HIV in Southern Sudan through its partnerships with healthcare institutions. The association has over 300 members and now has a presence in three counties, including Mororbo and Lainya.

The award, which attracted 720 entries from over 100 countries, is worth $5,000. It will be presented to WOPHA during the World Aids Day celebrations on 1 December. The 25 winners will be attending the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna later in July.