Utrecht/Amsterdam, 11 September, 2025 – Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland and Rutgers intend to merge to form a single organisation. By joining forces, both organisations can achieve even more for young people, women, LGBTQI+ people and people living with HIV. “At a time when sexual health, reproductive rights and the fight against AIDS are under pressure worldwide, collaboration is more important than ever. Now and in the future,” say directors Marieke van der Plas (Rutgers) and Mark Vermeulen (Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland).
Sexual and reproductive health, wellbeing and rights are increasingly threatened worldwide. Funding for HIV and AIDS control is drying up, and the number of HIV and STI diagnoses is rising. Access to safe abortion care is increasingly restricted worldwide, and ultra-conservative and populist forces are hindering access to care and reliable information. “In this context, our work is more urgent than ever,” says Mark Vermeulen. “Society is counting on us to continue to champion what both organisations stand for: a world in which people can make their own choices about their bodies, relationships and futures, and where no one dies of AIDS.”
With the proposed merger, the organisations aim to combine their expertise, networks and resources to improve sexual health in the Netherlands and worldwide. “We already collaborate successfully in several areas. With this next step, we will reach more people with reliable information and education and provide stronger support to professionals in healthcare and education. Together, we will work towards a healthy, safe and happy future for generations to come,” says Marieke van der Plas. In the coming period, both organisations will be working on the practical implementation of the proposed merger. Nothing will change for donors of Aidsfonds and Rutgers; their contributions will continue to support the work they already care about, with all funds used exclusively for that purpose.
About Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland
Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland works towards a world where no one dies from AIDS and where people are sexually healthy, so that everyone can love freely and without fear. We reduce the impact of HIV and other STIs by successfully preventing, detecting, and treating
them. We do this together with the people most affected by STIs and HIV, communities, professionals, and policymakers. We amplify their voices and support them with information, knowledge, and funding. Normalising discussion of STIs and combating stigma is essential in this regard. We bring together knowledge, research, practice, policy, and advocacy to provide target groups with reliable information, promote professional quality, and innovate prevention and care. Out of love for all loves.
www.aidsfonds.nl www.soaaids.nl
About Rutgers
Rutgers is the Dutch centre of knowledge and expertise on sexual health, safety and wellbeing. We offer young people reliable information, tools and support they need to make informed choices about their bodies, health and wellbeing. We promote knowledge, values and rights that protect and support them. Through research, evidence-based interventions and public education, we support young people to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing – now and in the future. We promote respectful and positive social norms that protect them from discrimination and violence and build societies in which young people can grow up healthy, safe and free. We work in the Netherlands, Europe and worldwide.
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