Born Free of HIV in West Africa

In the United States, every pregnant woman is tested for HIV as part of routine prenatal care. This ensures that if a mother is found to be HIV+, her baby can be given Antiretroviral therapy (ART) which will prevent the baby from becoming HIV+ themselves. ART medication is highly effective and truly lifesaving.

In Mali, only a third of pregnant women are tested for HIV. This can inhibit infants from receiving ART and lead to HIV infection. GAIA Vaccine Foundation is proud to say that Hope Center Clinic tests all women for HIV. In 2004, the clinic became the first health center in Mali to successfully implement a vertical transmission prevention program. Last year, over 1,400 women were tested through this program. 

Building off the strength of the project, GAIA VF has received a grant from ViiV Healthcare and Positive Action to introduce the "Pratt Pouch" to Hope Center Clinic through a pilot project. The Pratt Pouch is a packaging device similar in appearance to a ketchup packet and is designed to preserve ART. The pouch can extend the lifespan of ART for up to 12 months and allows mothers to bring the correct dosage of medication home to their babies. This is especially important in Mali as many mothers give birth at home and do not have access to ART for their infant. The study will assess the feasibility of Pratt Pouch introduction and acceptance in Bamako, Mali. While the device has been tested in other low-resource countries such as Ecuador and Zambia, this will be the first pilot project done in a West African country and a francophone country. 

GAIA is currently working hard to set up the project and expects to launch this pilot program in the fall. Your continued support for the “Born Free of HIV” program is essential in ensuring that all women in Bamako have access to HIV testing. A donation of just $25 supports HIV testing for 5 Malian women.