Saving children from HIV

HIV-infected women often face stigmatization and discrimination, leading to job loss, poverty, and insufficient family care. This impacts their physical and mental health, as well as their children's well-being and future prospects. Children born to HIV-positive mothers are at high risk of contracting the virus. Despite free antiretroviral drugs provided by the Mexican government, many women lack necessary information or support from state authorities. Fear of side effects leads to irregular medication intake, which can be fatal for protecting the child from infection.

Malteser International and OMM aim to help women navigate economic and social challenges. Our primary goal is to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, protecting the life of the (unborn) child. By providing infant formula and baby food, we help women avoid breastfeeding, thus preventing transmission via breast milk. Health workshops offer information on HIV/AIDS risks and treatments. Monthly meetings, psychosocial support, and income-generating workshops empower women, foster economic independence, and promote community building. We also raise awareness among the fathers and partners of these women, encouraging them to become active agents of change.

Our long-term objective is to achieve gender equality, enabling women to become decision-makers. We also aim to involve the women's fathers and partners as active supporters in this empowerment journey.

• Protect 60 infants and young children from HIV/AIDS infection.
• Train 60 mothers with HIV/AIDS on managing their illness and preventing transmission during pregnancy and early childhood.
• Create a health-promoting environment for 120 at-risk children.
• Provide bottle feeding supplies, baby food, and essential items for infants and young children.
• Offer psychosocial support for mothers.
• Implement income-generating initiatives for women.