Thank you to the Australian High Commission

May 16th, 2024

GAIA Vaccine Foundation is elated to announce that we have received a grant from the Australian High Commission in Ghana’s Direct Aid Program. The Australia High Commission is an embassy agent that directs Australia’s diplomatic presence in West Africa. It is based in Ghana, but also maintains a presence in Mali as well. The Direct Aid Program provides support to initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and poverty reduction. 

With the funds from this grant, GAIA Vaccine Foundation will be able to increase support and expand the capacity of both the Nutrition and Peer Support and Teen Peer Education programs. For example, the Nutrition program will be able to run three days per week, enabling us to serve more meals in Sikoro. 

The grant will also allow us to launch an exciting new initiative. For several years, the Association d’espoir, a support group of women living with HIV, have requested funds to start a small soap making business where they can make bars of soap and then sell the soap in Sikoro. They can then use the small profit as a form of regenerative income to support their organization. Access to soap, an inexpensive and effective way to prevent the spread of germs, is particularly important as Sikoro’s sanitation system faces increased pressure with more and more refugees arriving as they flee conflict in the north of Mali. Having access to affordable and locally made soap can help keep the Sikoro community healthier and ultimately stronger. The Direct Aid Program has dedicated funds specifically to this project and we will be happy to share updates as the project progresses. 

This new collaboration with the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program coincides directly with our mission is to reduce the incidence of infectious disease that disproportionately affects the underserved, and this generous funding is taking GAIA Vaccine Foundation one step closer to achieving this goal. If you would like to help Association d'Espoir start their soap-making business as well, please donate!