Daijiworld Media Network - Kigali

Kigali, Jul 23: In a promising move to combat the disproportionate impact of HIV on women and young girls in Africa, nonprofit company Audere has launched an innovative AI-powered initiative in South Africa focused on prevention and self-care.

The program, Self-Care from Anywhere, leverages generative AI to provide youth-friendly, confidential counseling and HIV prevention support via WhatsApp. At the heart of this digital effort is an AI companion named Amy.

“Amy helps people navigate that self-care journey,” said Sarah Morris, chief product officer at Audere, in an interview with Managed Healthcare Executive. “She provides personalized counseling, remembers past conversations, and guides users toward HIV self-testing based on their vulnerability.”

The initiative is especially significant given the alarming statistics: 80% of new HIV infections among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa occur in girls aged 15–19. In 2017 alone, women and children aged 10–19 in Eastern and Southern Africa accounted for 25% of global HIV infections, according to The Lancet Global Health.

The AI service is integrated with a telehealth center staffed by clinicians who can provide users with follow-up care based on their needs.

Audere’s team, including Morris, presented the impact and progress of the initiative at the International AIDS Society meeting held recently in Kigali, Rwanda.

The program is being seen as a key tool in reaching underserved communities with stigma-free, accessible care—particularly empowering young African women in their fight against HIV.