Dr. Ilze Aizsilniece Foundation
On January 27, 2026, the non-profit Dr. Ilze Aizsilniece Foundation started its work with a goal to continue and develop the social initiatives, values, and projects established by Dr. Aizsilniece. The foundation will work to educate the public and promote well-being, paying particular attention to emotional and health literacy, healthy child development, support for young family doctors, the protection of Latvian nature, the promotion of Latvian identity and awareness of one's roots, as well as cultural (music and art) activities, emphasizing their importance in a fulfilling human life.
Doctor Ilze Aizsilniece (1966–2025) was a family doctor and socially active leader who believed in the importance of human well-being in general – health awareness, education, and a responsible attitude towards the environment and culture. Her values centered on people and concern for the common good. Ilze Aizsilniece was president of the Latvian Medical Association (2018–2025) and participated in World Health Organization projects. She was one of the initiators of the Great Cleanup (Talka) idea, worked in the association "Healthy Latvia" and was the founder of the LNSO Foundation.
Ilze's gaze has been captured in the portrait by Ritums Ivanovs. Bright, demanding and penetrating. Encouraging us to observe and perceive. – Una Ērgle (Meistere)
Una Ērgle (Meistere), Chair of the Foundation's Board: "Ilze Aizsilniece had a holistic approach not only to medicine, but to life in general. She had a wide range of interests and inspired many with her example to dare to realize their potential. Each of the ten founders of the Dr. Ilze Aizsilniece Foundation has their own story connected with Ilze – spanning many years. We spent time with Ilze during the last year of her life, supporting her on her journey, which was active until the very last moment. Ilze Aizsilniece established many socially significant initiatives in health, culture, science, and environmental protection, and we have come together to continue them.
In order to achieve its goals, the foundation will initially focus on identifying and continuing the ideas and projects initiated by Ilze Aizsilniece. The foundation will implement and support educational and research initiatives, organize public, educational, charitable, and cultural events, as well as activities that promote health literacy. The foundation will also implement publicity initiatives and attract donations, ensuring the targeted and transparent use of funds to achieve the foundation's objectives.
Several projects are planned for the fund's first year of operation, including: an educational series of books on emotional literacy, in collaboration with the association "Veselīga Latvija" (Healthy Latvia) and the publishing house "Zvaigzne ABC"; participation in the development of an educational program as part of the exhibition "How are you feeling today?", which will be on display at the Riga Contemporary Art Space (July 2 - September 13) and will be dedicated to doctor Ilze Aizsilniece.
The establishment of the foundation creates a sustainable platform for continuing Ilze Aizsilniece's professional and social legacy, strengthening public health literacy, education, culture, and responsible attitudes towards the environment in Latvia. The Ilze Aizsilniece Fuoundation is a non-profit organization. The fund's resources consist of contributions from its founders, donations, and other permitted income, which are used solely to achieve the objectives set out in the statutes. The fund will adhere to the principles of good governance, transparency, and public interest in its activities.