Peer mentors such as peer educators, expert clients and mentor mothers have a key role in supporting clients receiving HIV care and treatment. While peer educators form an essential component of psychosocial support within the health system, their own health is as important as the health of those they support. Our study, published in Plos One 2019, showed that peer educators actively engaged in patient support activities have achieved high viral suppression rates. We recommend focused monitoring of clinical outcomes of peer mentors as they continue to support other PLHIV to ensure quality life for them as well as the clients they support.
