Name: Mothers helping mothers fight HIV
Uploaded: 2010-09-22T08:54:00Z
Duration: 18 min 13 s
Description: In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV infections are more prevalent and doctors scarcer than anywhere else in the world. With a lack of medical professionals, Mitchell Besser enlisted the help of his patients to create mothers2mothers -- an extraordinary network of HIV-positive women whose support for each other is changing and saving lives.

In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV infections are more prevalent and doctors scarcer than anywhere else in the world. With a lack of medical professionals, Mitchell Besser enlisted the help of his patients to create mothers2mothers -- an extraordinary network of HIV-positive women whose support for each other is changing and saving lives.

Mothers helping mothers fight HIV

Peer support transforms HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, where 90 percent of pregnant women with HIV live and doctors are scarce. Mentor mothers, women living with HIV themselves, guide and empower new mothers to keep their babies HIV-negative and fight stigma. In one year, this network reached 20 percent of HIV-positive pregnant women worldwide. Their approach proves that hope and health spring from community, not just medicine.