By Brendan Caver | Grant Research Intern
As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Mali continues its climb past 2,000, Teen Peer HIV Education is essential. As stated in previous reports, there are students (mostly girls) in this program that are not enrolled in school. Because schools in Mali have been shut down since March, Teen Peer HIV Education is one of the main sources of consistent education for these students.
According to the United Nations Office of Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs, more than 3.8 million Malian children have been forced out of school because of COVID-19. This compounds pre-existing factors which have prematurely pushed other children out of school, such as conflict and economic circumstances. The same source reports that, “one fourth of the Malian population depends on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs.”
GAIA’s Teen Peer HIV Education program provides stability that is necessary during this time. Students gain an opportunity for education that is not available elsewhere at the moment. The program provides invaluable information on taking care of oneself and making informed decisions in the interest of preserving one’s health. Resources such as condoms and free HIV testing are just as important as they always have been. Additionally, food is provided at this program. This is a vital resource at a time when food insecurity is commonplace and many are dealing with economic hardship. Finally, GAIA’s Teen Peer HIV Education program provides a stable and welcoming environment. Given the spread of the pandemic, these social benefits are extremely important. Weekly sessions are a possible refuge from unstable home lives, or at the very least an opportunity to connect with others of a similar age.
Donations to GAIA will help to support and expand the Teen Peer HIV Education program and other work that GAIA does. We hope to do all that we can to continue sharing important information about HIV with teens, as well as providing a welcoming environment and resources for community members.
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