The organization was founded in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which was devastating communities across Africa. At the time, there was no cure for HIV/AIDS, and many people who were infected with the virus died within a few years.

PEP-Africa’s first project was a small HIV testing and counseling clinic in Botswana. The clinic was a success, and PEP-Africa quickly expanded its services to include treatment and care for HIV/AIDS, prevention education, and economic empowerment programs.

In 2000, PEP-Africa was renamed People Empowerment Programme – Africa to reflect its growing reach across the continent. Today, PEP-Africa is working in 10 countries in Africa: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zambia.

PEP-Africa has helped over 1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. The organization’s work has been recognized by the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.