Born Free of HIV in West Africa

With access to the proper treatment, women infected with HIV can prevent the spread of the virus to their unborn child. When this care is introduced during pregnancy and prior to breastfeeding, the odds of the child contracting HIV plummet, making it vital for expectant mothers to gain access to preventative treatment.  

Without access to HIV treatment, transmission of HIV from mother to child takes place during birth 90% of the time, and 10% of the time during breastfeeding. However, with the introduction of proper HIV preventative treatment, there is a 100% chance that the newborn will not contract HIV. 

Born Free of HIV in West Africa has been testing all babies born to HIV positive mothers who underwent treatment, and found that every child was free of HIV. While examining the long term impact, GAIA Vaccine Foundation has tested over 15,000 pregnant women at our Hope Center Clinic in Bamako, and is continuing to provide care and treatment to women in order to prevent the spread of HIV to their children. 

By donating to the Born Free of HIV initiative, you would be contributing to the health and wellness of not only Malian mothers, but their children. With a donation of $25, you would be supporting HIV testing for five women in the clinic. With a donation of $50, you would be supporting all of the laboratory tests for one mother during her prenatal period, which includes an ultrasound. Your donations are greatly appreciated, and help GAIA Vaccine Foundation to achieve their goal of stopping the transmission of HIV from mother to child.

When a woman is living with HIV, the virus can be very easily transmitted during childbirth if not protected. In 10% of cases, HIV transmission occurs through breastmilk. However, with the introduction of HIV testing and treatment prior to childbirth and during breastfeeding, transmission of HIV from mother to child can be nearly 100% prevented. 

Between 2005-2015, 15,439 pregnant women were seen and tested at Hope Center Clinic in Sikoro, Mali. All of the infants that were born to women who were seen at the clinic are currently being tested, and every mother who participated in the program gave birth to an HIV free child. 

Hope Center Clinic tests more than 3,000 women per year. With a donation of $25, you would be supporting the testing of 5 women in the clinic. For a donation of $50, you would be supporting all the laboratory tests for one mother during her prenatal period, which includes an ultrasound. We thank you for your continuous support within our ongoing program.