Teen Peer Education in Mali

With data gathered from our ongoing “Chez Rosalie” program, GAIA Vaccine Foundation discovered that the highest number of new HIV cases were most prominent among teen girls. Based on these findings, GAIA Vaccine Foundation initiated a partnership with local educator Socrates. This partnership laid the foundation for the Teen Peer Education program. 

The Teen Peer Education Program targets the sector of Bamako, Mali’s population that is most at risk of contracting HIV, and promotes a safe learning environment for young girls and boys. During this free weekly session, teens may learn the risks of sexual behavior, and are free to ask any questions they may have. 

GAIA Vaccine Foundation understands that peer to peer interactions are most effective in relaying important information. Therefore, the Teen Peer Education program employs teen educators that have been educationally equipped by adult HIV educators in order to adequately convey important material. Teen educators also work with local health services to create communication tools for adolescents in Bamako. At every session, free condoms and HIV testing are made available. 

The goal of these weekly discussions is to foster a safe environment for teens to vocalize their questions, as well as become educated about risky sexual behavior and what to avoid. Since 2014, the program has hosted 464 education sessions. On average, the Teen Peer Education Program saw 18 girls and 7 boys each week in the year 2022. 

These sessions are vital in educating Bamako’s youth about preventative measures when it comes to the contraction of HIV. By donating to this ongoing program, you would be supporting GAIA Vaccine Foundation’s effort to minimize the spread of HIV in Mali and protect the youth from immunocompromisation. For a donation of $10, you would be providing two teens with the ability to attend a weekly session. For a donation of $50, you would be paying the salary of one HIV educator. For a donation of $75, you would be providing an entire educational session. We thank you for your ongoing support as we continue with our mission of reducing the incidence of HIV+.