Luanda, Angola – The United States Government announced today a $100,000 grant from ExxonMobil Foundation to support U.S.-Angolan partnership efforts to reduce HIV in Angola.
The grant through the Support and Education II (RISE) project is implemented by mothers to mothers (m2m) and supports the existing partnership with the U.S. Embassy, aligned with the First Lady’s (Ana Dias Lourenco) “Born Free to Shine” initiative.
Since 2004, the United States has partnered with the Government of the Republic of Angola to combat HIV/AIDS. The Embassy supports the implements HIV activities in Benguela, Cunene, Huambo, and Lunda Sul. The program’s close relationship with the Office of the First Lady continues to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS from mothers to children.
The activities use a peer mentorship model that employs women called “Mentor Mothers” who work with pregnant and breastfeeding women and their families on prevention and treatment of HIV and malaria.
With private funding from the ExxonMobil Foundation, m2m has expanded their outreach in Benguela and Lunda Sul. Work conducted by m2m focuses on improving access to health services for vulnerable women who are hesitant to go to health clinics due to fear and stigma, economic or time constraints, or lack of knowledge. Their work also empowers Mentor Mothers to serve as community leaders. “Becoming a Mentor Mother changed my life. I can now talk confidently about my status, and share my story with other women, who are going through the same struggles I faced. By speaking openly, I am saving lives, and I am helping to raise the next generation, free of HIV.” Elizabete Monteiro, 23 years old, Mentor Mother in Benguela.
The U.S. Government, through USAID, has a long history of developing public-private partnerships in Angola. Since 2006, ExxonMobil through its Block 15 and ExxonMobil Foundation, have been one of the Embassy’s most reliable partners. With these additional funds from ExxonMobil Foundation, USAID will continue to work directly with m2m to implement family-centered activities. For example, an integrated HIV social and behavior change communication activity reduces HIV stigma and discrimination reduction with community leaders, religious leaders, and malaria prevention and treatment services among pregnant, breastfeeding women and their families. Through the ongoing public-private alliance, ExxonMobil has provided more than $7 million to support the reduction of malaria cases and new HIV infections.
RISE II, is a three-year project launched in Angola in October 2019 through U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)Pand is implemented by m2m, a non-government organization based in South Africa. As part of the technical assistance strategy, m2m works in close partnership with the Angola Ministry of Health and Instituto Nacional de Luta Contra o SIDA (INLS) to adapt and lead implementation of a national mentor-mother model, focused on provision of comprehensive community and family-centered index case testing and tracing, adherence, and retention services.
For additional information, please contact the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section by emailing pressluanda@state.gov or calling 222-641-000.
