Femmes Actives de Cote d'Ivoire Network

Active Women provides psychological support to pregnant women who have just found out that they are HIV-positive. It is based on the belief that these women need to be told that they are not alone. The network tries to console them and accompany them home. “It is not unusual that people can't accept the news and start questioning the veracity of the blood test. But we keep talking, listening, and giving advice until they come to terms with it.”

In addition to such emotional support, the network uses interpersonal exchange to offer concrete information and guidance. For example, organisers offer advice on how women can inform their partners of their HIV status, providing strategies for broaching the subject. Information is also provided on how to prevent mother-to-child transmission. In addition, a group of about 20 volunteers meet weekly at Koumassi hospital to offer nutritional advice to mothers living with HIV/AIDS.

Active Women also engages in partnership with groups doing similar types of work - for instance, a women's group in Belgium. The women in the network believe that talking about their experiences might save the lives of other women.

Women, Gender, HIV/AIDS, Maternal Health.

Active Women is one of many HIV/AIDS solidarity groups in Cote d'Ivoire, which allegedly has the highest HIV prevalence rate in West Africa. Official data provided by the health ministry indicate that 9.5% of the population is HIV-positive.

The small, grassroots organisation has worked to obtain funding and antiretroviral (ARV) drugs from organisations like CARE and RETROCI, a USA-sponsored research project based in Abidjan focusing on mother-to-child transmission. In 2003, the network was able to obtain free ARV treatment for 87 women.