mothers2mothers (m2m)

mothers2mothers (m2m) ensures that one of Africa's greatest strengths—its women—are at the heart of their work to end HIV/AIDS and related diseases. They do this by delivering primary health care services to the families that need it most to create a thriving, healthy Africa where no one is left behind. 

m2m employs and trains local women living with HIV as community health workers called Mentor Mothers who work alongside doctors and nurses in facilities and communities as professionalised members of the health care system. m2m has achieved virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among their enrolled clients for ten consecutive years.

Since m2m began in 2001, they have reached more than 16 million people in sub-Saharan Africa with life-changing health services.

They provide women, adolescents, children, and special populations with integrated primary health care services, focusing on early detection, referrals, and education & support that ensures their clients stay well for the long term.

Working on the frontline in their own communities, Mentor Mothers have a deep understanding of the social and cultural challenges that clients face on their journey to good health, and through trust and shared experience they are able to support clients to overcome barriers to care. The trusted relationships that Mentor Mothers develop with their clients are unparalleled in maternal and child health care in Africa. 

From an initial focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, today m2m Mentor Mothers provide integrated primary health care services from pregnancy and childhood to adolescence—including reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health, early childhood development, and tailored adolescent services. 

They serve entire families, not just women and children. Working closely with doctors and nurses in health facilities, and door-to-door in communities, Mentor Mothers deliver integrated primary health care services to meet their clients' growing and urgent health needs. This includes tackling HIV, tuberculosis, and other related conditions such as hepatitis B, syphilis as well as malaria, and noncommunicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, and cervical cancer).

The Quatrefoil Giving Fund has committed to 3 years of unrestricted funding to support mothers2mothers in building a healthy, thriving Africa.