Sisters Helping Sisters

Fatoumata Koîta came to Sainte Therèse Koumassi clinic in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for antenatal care when she was pregnant two years ago. She followed the advice of health workers and was tested for HIV. She learned that she is HIV-positive. She also learned about prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), which could protect her unborn child. Keep reading

First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire Helps Launch Point-of-Care Early Infant Diagnosis Project in Port Bouet

On Wednesday, May 30, 2017, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) organized a launch event for the Unitaid Point-of-Care/Early Infant Diagnosis (POC/EID) project for the optimisation of early infant diagnosis in the presence of the First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, a special ambassador for UNAIDS ; the First Lady endorsed the ceremony. The project was launched in collaboration with UNAIDS who assisted in coordinating the event, along with the office of the First Lady. Keep reading

Family Unity in a Malawi Village

One day, John Ja, heard the clapping of hands at the entrance of his small compound, indicating the arrival of visitors. As the chief of Malengatanzi village in central Malawi, John frequently receives official guests. On this day, Lucy and Martha, two HIV testing counselors with the Foundation for Community and Capacity Development, were conducting door-to-door tests in the area. Keep reading

Let’s Stay Together

When the Second Ivorian Civil War erupted in November 2010, Emmanuel, a soldier in Côte d’Ivoire’s army was called to the rebel-held northern region. Four months later, the government forces had prevailed, and Emmanuel was ordered back to the capital city of Abidjan. An orderly man, Emmanuel decided to clean up his hair and beard before returning home. He and several soldiers shared a single razor. Emmanuel did not realize that he was infecting himself with HIV—which can be transmitted through fresh blood. Keep reading