Raoul Fransen – dos Santos (1978) has been involved in a wide range of programs supporting people living with HIV and AIDS globally, since he was diagnosed HIV-positive at age 15.

He is co-founder of Young Positives, an international network of young people living with HIV&AIDS, which brings together young people living with HIV and their experiences and advocates for their rights. Young Positives’ aim is to come to better ways to improve access to treatment, reduce stigma and discrimination and to promote the greater involvement of young people living with HIV in policy and decision-making forums. Young Positives is affiliated to the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+).

Raoul addressed the 2004 International AIDS Conference as a plenary speaker and acted as the interim International Coordinator and CEO of GNP+ in 2006.

As a volunteer, he has been involved since 1997 in setting up numerous programs providing antiretroviral treatment and projects supporting orphans and vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa.

He studied Health Sciences at the University of Maastricht and holds a Masters degree in Public Health. Before joining the ICSS team, he also worked at the Dutch NGOs Aids Fonds and STOP AIDS NOW! focusing on young people’s issues and access to HIV treatment & care.

Raoul is currently a policy officer at International Civil Society Support and coordinates the Roundtable Process on HIV treatment.