Born Free of HIV in West Africa

The Born Free of HIV project’s aim is to lessen the probability of newborns acquiring HIV from their birth mothers through proper treatment and access to care when they are born. This treatment can eliminate any chance of a newborn contracting HIV from their mothers, given that it can be transmitted during birth or through breast milk.

There is a 90% chance that a newborn acquires HIV during their physical birth, and a 10% chance they acquire it through their mother’s breast milk. That is, if their birth mother lacks access to treatment and proper HIV healthcare. When mothers are able to access HIV treatment, prior to childbirth as well as during the time they are breastfeeding, nearly 100% of HIV transmission to infants can be prevented. 

The Born Free of HIV project also provides free HIV testing for all the women who go through treatment and who have attended the clinic. Thus far, all babies born at Hope Center Clinic have been born HIV free!

This program has saved thousands of children’s lives, and has created a healthier and happier life for families in Mali. By donating to the Born Free of HIV program, you can help prospective HIV-positive mothers prevent HIV transmission to their newborn babies.

For only $25, you can support HIV treatment for five women in the clinic. For just $50, you will support all of the laboratory tests for one mother during her prenatal period, including ultrasounds. This program has proven to be extremely effective, and with the help of your generous donations, it can reach even more women and families in Mali. 

GAIA Vaccine Foundation created the Born Free of HIV in West Africa initiative to increase access to HIV care and treatment. GAIA VF supports free HIV testing, test analysis, counseling with an HIV pharmacist and other programs to ensure that those with HIV are both aware of their status and are able to live a healthy life.

GAIA VF also supports the Chez Rosalie Mother-to-Child-Transmission Prevention program which allows expectant mothers who are HIV positive to avoid passing the virus to their children. Since the program was started, all babies born at Hope Center Clinic have been born HIV free!

For just $25, you can support HIV testing for 5 Malian women at Hope Center Clinic. Currently, over 3,000 HIV tests are done yearly.

For $50, you can support every laboratory test for one mother during her pre-natal period, which includes ultrasounds. And for $200, you can support an outreach worker’s salary for one month- this worker to support those living with HIV.

With your continued generosity and donations, we can continue to educate, prevent, and provide access to care for thoes living with HIV. Thank you for your support to GAIA Vaccine Foundation!