AHF expanded its programs to Portugal in early 2013 when the country was facing difficulties due to the financial crisis. In Portugal, AHF works on the testing and linkage program with GAT, an organization based in Lisbon. GAT – a Portuguese group of treatment activists, founded in 2001 – is a structure of individual membership and cooperation between people from different communities and different organizations affected by HIV.

GAT advocates legal and political changes that positively affect the health, rights, and quality of life of people living with HIV or at risk of acquiring. GAT is running a Checkpoint (HIV prevention center) and IN –Mouraria harm reduction center in Lisbon. AHF Portugal supports these operations, where rapid and easily accessible HIV testing is provided to targeted populations. AHF Portugal also supports free condom distribution, advocacy activities, and availability of rapid testing through some of GAT’s partners.

Free onsite HIV testing is provided at Lisbon Checkpoint and IN-Mouraria, and during outreach events throughout the country.