Charity founder hailed by Prime Minister over bid to reduce HIV in babies

The founder of a Hampstead charity has been awarded for his work with people affected by HIV.

One to One Children’s Fund on Hampstead High Street supports children, families and individuals affected by the disease.

Now founder David Altschuler has been recognised with a Points of Light award. The One to One fund specifically aims to eradicate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Mr Altschuler, himself a long-standing Hampstead resident, received a personal letter from Prime Minister Theresa May congratulating him for his work and award.

“Your ambitious work with the One to One Children’s Fund is benefitting thousands of vulnerable women and children throughout pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding,” the PM wrote.

“You should be proud of the international work you are doing in your mission to eradicate mother-to-child HIV transmission.”

The Points of Light awards recognise outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring change.

Mr Altschuler is the 747th volunteer to be recognised and said he was surprised but pleased of the honour.

“It’s always nice for a charity to receive recognition. These things are always unexpected,” he said. “We have been doing this work for a long time - we set up the first treatment centre for young children in 2001. I’m particularly pleased for all the children and adolescents we’ve helped over the years. As inspiring is the collective effort and unconditional support of the most unbelievably generous and loyal trustees, supporters, partners and staff teams that any organisation could ever wish for.”

“The One to One Children’s Fund has become synonymous with efforts to confront the most enduring and horrific public health issues affecting vulnerable children around the world,” said Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq. “For almost a quarter of a century David has been at the forefront of those efforts, and he is wholly deserving of this award.”