Born Free of HIV in West Africa

by GAIA Vaccine Foundation
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa
Born Free of HIV in West Africa

Project Report | Oct 20, 2026
Starting Life HIV-Free in Mali

By Laura Atran-Fresco | Grant Writer and Communication Consultant

At our partner health centers in Sikoro and Banconi, located in the outskirts of Bamako, every pregnancy carries the promise of a healthy future. Without medical intervention, HIV transmission from mother to child occurs in up to 90% of cases during childbirth, with additional risks during breastfeeding. Yet, with early testing, consistent antiretroviral treatment, and continuous medical support, mother-to-child HIV transmission is almost entirely preventable.

Through our Born Free of HIV Program, we ensure that mothers living with HIV receive the comprehensive clinical services, counseling, and medical monitoring needed to protect their babies at every step of the journey. By integrating routine screening into early prenatal visits, our Community Health Workers and clinical staff break down fear and stigma, giving every mother the knowledge and resources to protect her child.

Recent key milestones

Despite systemic healthcare obstacles and challenging socio-economic conditions in Mali, our dedicated clinic teams achieved remarkable results across the Sikoro and Banconi health centers in 2025:

  • 4,740 pregnant women received comprehensive prenatal care, HIV testing, and pre/post-test counseling.
  • 32 HIV-positive mothers were supported through safe, tailored deliveries and continuous antiretroviral treatment.
  • 247 HIV-exposed infants were systematically monitored to track and ensure their health outcomes.

Our program achieved 0 cases of mother-to-child HIV transmission in 2025, meaning 100% of infants born to supported mothers began their lives completely HIV-free.

How your donation protects mothers and babies

Every contribution directly funds clinical supplies, essential diagnostics, and dedicated frontline healthcare workers in Bamako:

  • $25 provides HIV testing for 5 expectant mothers at the clinic.
  • $50 covers all necessary prenatal lab tests for one mother, including an ultrasound.
  • $200 funds a frontline outreach worker's monthly salary to support home visits and postnatal HIV prevention.

Building an HIV-free future

A world where no child is born with HIV is not just a distant vision; it is happening today in our clinics across Bamako. When we equip a mother with testing, treatment, and ongoing guidance, we protect two lives at once and give the next generation a healthy start.

Thank you to every donor, supporter, and partner whose generosity enables these vital healthcare outcomes. Together, we are ensuring that every child is born free of HIV.

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Organization Information

GAIA Vaccine Foundation

Location: Providence, RI - USA
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GAIA Vaccine Foundation
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Providence , ri United States
$12,712 raised of $22,000 goal
 
163 donations
$9,288 to go
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