Ideas worth spreading

Mothers helping mothers fight HIV

296,007 views | Mitchell Besser • TEDGlobal 2010

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.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Join the fight against HIV by helping HIV-positive mothers and their babies stay healthy.

About the speaker

Mitchell Besser

Mitchell Besser

HIV/AIDS fighter

See speaker profile

How can mothers with HIV avoid passing it to their kids? In South Africa, Mitchell Besser tapped a new resource for healthcare: moms themselves. The program he started, mothers2mothers, trains new mothers to educate and support other moms.

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UNAIDS

UNAIDS is a terrific resource for the most recent data on the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the status of the global commitment to eliminate HIV/AIDS in children and keep mothers with HIV alive. Keep up on the progress that has been made to date in both areas.

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The UN's Global Plan

In 2011 the United Nations launched the Global Plan, aimed at eliminating new HIV infections in children while keeping their mothers alive. The Global Plan has catalyzed worldwide efforts to end this pandemic.

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Mothers of Innovation

This report examines a principle that’s been the basis of our work — that mothers are a force of innovation in the world, socially, commercially and economically.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Join the fight against HIV by helping HIV-positive mothers and their babies stay healthy.