Teen Peer Education in Mali

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to effectively communicate complicated health information to teens. However, GAIA Vaccine Foundation has created an ongoing program that works specifically to overcome this barrier by addressing the factors of communication to which teens best respond. In doing so, this access to education will greatly reduce the number of young people who become HIV+. 

Youth, and in particular, adolescent girls, are most at risk for contracting HIV. Consequences that follow from this diagnosis can be dire: these young women risk becoming pregnant, dropping out of school, and losing emotional and financial support from family and loved ones. However, when they are taught to pinpoint and avoid risky sexual behavior, these problems can be avoided. 

GAIA Vaccine Foundation recognizes that teens respond best to peer to peer interactions. Therefore, our program has trained teenage educators to communicate with the students through our local partners in Bamako, Mali. Our younger educators are trained by adult HIV professionals, and work with local health services to create communication tools for adolescents in Bamako by providing these weekly discussions. 

The goal of our Teen Peer Education sessions is to continue to reach teens both in school and not in school, and help these young people discuss issues they may face and how to avoid risky sexual behavior. This program seeks to provide a safe place for students to feel welcomed and secure, and ensure their good health after they leave. 

We are constantly looking to expand our practice and reach more young people. With a donation of $10, you would be providing the opportunity for two teens to come to the education session. With a donation of $20, you would be supporting four teens in attending a session. With a generous donation of $75, it would be because of YOU that GAIA Vaccine Foundation is able to host one of our weekly education sessions, a potentially life saving lesson for our attendees. We thank you for your continuous support as we continue towards our goal of reducing the incidence of infectious disease that disproportionately affects the underserved.