Born Free of HIV in West Africa

Living with HIV/AIDS remains a harsh reality for many in Mali. While HIV can be managed through the appropriate medication and frequent monitoring, very few Malians have access to care. UNAIDS has reported the following data for Mali:

• In 2016, Mali had 5,900 (3,800 - 8,600) new HIV infections and 6,100 (4,800 - 7,500) AIDS-related deaths.
• There were 110,000 (89,000 - 130,000) Malians living with HIV in 2016, among whom 35% (25% - 44%) were accessing antiretroviral therapy.
• Among pregnant women living with HIV, 35% (28% - 42%) were accessing treatment or prophylaxis to prevent transmission of HIV to their children. 
• An estimated 1600 (1100 - 2300) children were newly infected with HIV due to mother-to-child transmission.

GAIA Vaccine Foundation works in collaboration with our partner clinic and the regional department of health to bring care to those affected by HIV, AIDS and other infectious diseases in Sikoro, Mali. In 2005, GAIA established the "Chez Rosalie" Mother-to-Child Transmission Prevention program which introduced interventions to prevent HIV+ mothers from passing on HIV to their infants. Additionally, GAIA introduced free HIV testing at Hope Center Clinic and currently runs a "Teen Peer HIV Education" program and a "Nutrition and Peer Support for HIV+ Patients" program weekly. These activities have seen great success and no baby has been born HIV+ at Hope Center Clinic.