mothers2mothers’ (m2m) programme in Malawi is contributing to HIV epidemic control efforts through the implementation of a peer-based, integrated service delivery model targeted at priority populations (including pregnant women living with HIV, mother-infant pairs, children, and adolescents). Since 2008, m2m’s flagship Mentor Mother Model has been adapted into a responsive, client-centred approach that increases the efficiency and quality of HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.

m2m Malawi has been a leader in developing new innovative programmes. It pioneered the development and implementation of the Community Mentor Mother programme where Mentor Mothers work door-to-door in local communities, linking women and families to nearby health centres for medical care. It was also the first country to integrate Early Childhood Development and Nutrition into its Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent health services work. Younger Peer Mentors have also been employed to deliver sexual and reproductive health education to adolescent girls and young women and to support them in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Malawi was the first country of operation for m2m to recruit and employ men living with HIV as Expert Clients, as part of our adapted peer support approach for special key populations living with HIV. In the future, m2m looks forward to continuing its innovation, integrating further primary health care programme streams in response to the growing health needs of our clients and their families.