Benefits and challenges of a community-based programme for women living with HIV in Mali

Gundo-So is a community-based programme developed by and for women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Mali through the ARCAD-Sante-PLUS association. It provides support, co-constructed with WLHIV, to develop strategies on whether or not to disclose their status. The aim of the ANRS-12373 research is to evaluate the impact of this programme in the short and medium term. As part of this research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants (14). These interviews were analysed thematically. Three themes are presented here: positive feedback from the programme, which enabled them to be listened to and supported them both psychologically and financially. The impact of the programme on the participants' social network is also described, in terms of the links made with peers met during the programme. Finally, a new perspective on issues such as disease management, which improved through the contribution of knowledge, and also through the development of psychosocial resources. The programme enabled participants to acquire psychosocial skills, the ability to effectively self-manage their condition, and strategies on whether or not to disclose their HIV status. Participants' empowerment and social support in relation to the disease were developed through the programme, particularly through the links created with other women living with HIV.

Automated summary

Gundo-So is a community-based programme developed in Mali to support women living with HIV (WLHIV) in deciding whether to disclose their status. The ANRS-12373 research aims to evaluate the short and medium-term impact of this programme. Interviews with participants (14) were analyzed thematically, revealing positive feedback regarding emotional and financial support provided by the programme, the creation of new social connections, and improved disease management and psychosocial resources. Overall, the programme empowered participants and enhanced social support for WLHIV.