The challenge

In 2011 alone, an estimated 13,000 children in Kenya became newly infected with HIV. The leading cause of all deaths within the country, HIV is also responsible for one fifth of Kenya’s maternal deaths and 7% of child deaths under the age of 5.

The solutions we're proposing 

Determined to transform these tragic figures, W4’s field project, mothers2mothers, is training and employing HIV-positive mothers to mentor, educate and support other pregnant women and new mothers who are also living with HIV—above all, showing them how to prevent the transmission of the virus to their babies and infants. Working in tandem with local doctors and nurses, these “Mentor Mothers” create an environment, through one-on-one meetings and support groups, in which these HIV-positive mothers and mothers-to-be can find vital information, care and encouragement.

The impact of giving

Thanks to mobile technology, Mentor Mothers are able stay connected with their women clients around the clock. Cell phones enable them to maintain this lifeline. Mentor Mothers regularly call their clients to follow up with them or to provide essential advice and guidance. For example, if a client misses one of her health check-ups, a Mentor Mother will call her to emphasize how crucial it is that she consistently follow her treatment plan. These calls also remind the women that they are not alone on their journey, that they can have healthy, HIV-negative children, and that they, too, can live in stable health, making them able to care for their families in the long term.

By covering the costs of Mentor Mothers’ mobile calls to their women clients, you help provide hope and life-saving assistance for pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV in Kenya. Finance Mentor Mothers’ calls and ensure that these women receive the information and support they need in order to give birth to and raise happy, healthy, HIV-negative children!

Your contribution is tax-deductible in the United States. Women's Worldwide Web Inc. is registered 501 (c)(3) EIN 46-1571785