Born Free of HIV in West Africa

Expanding GAIA’s longest standing program has always been a passion for GAIA’s national director, pediatrician Dr. Karamoko Tounkara. In addition to amplifying the testing rates in Mali, GAIA’s trained staff hold the road map to implementing successful MTCTP at any community-run clinic in Mali (of which there are 1,170). In 2016, Dr. Tounkara proposed a partnership with the community clinic of Banconi (ASACOBA), which serves a densely populated neighborhood bordering Sikoro.

Choosing this clinic as a partner was a strategic choice by Dr. Tounkara to exponentially increase HIV testing among pregnant women. When we discussed MTCTP with ASACOBA staff in early 2016, their main concern was fluctuation in the availability of testing supplies. Despite the high rates of prenatal care, the HIV testing coverage among pregnant women often fluctuated from 100% to 8% due to a lack of a testing supplies.

Thanks to donor constributions, GAIA  was able to cover testing supplies for 10 months in 2017. Data from the clinic demonstrates how crucial this donation was in bringing testing coverage to 100% of women seen for prenantal care each month. Midwives reported that 9 infants were born to HIV+ mothers at the clinic and one infant was born at home. All of infants received follow- up care according to the national protocol, which includes ARV treatment and cotrimoxazole to prevent bacterial infection. There were no cases of mother to child transmission.

In 2018, it is crucial to continue the provision of HIV testing supplies to Banconi clinic.  With the success of this program, we can ensure that all cases of verical HIV transmission in Banconi are eliminated!

Can you join us to keep the testing rates at 100%?

We are so grateful for your support!