Dr. Besser recognized the need for a support program to prevent transmission of HIV from mothers to their children. He founded mothers2mothers (m2m), in which mothers living with HIV are employed as Mentor Mothers to work in health centers and communities, educating and supporting pregnant women and new mothers with HIV; towards reducing the number of babies born with HIV and keeping mothers healthy and alive to care for their families. Since 2001, m2m has cared for 15 million mothers and children. In ten countries in Africa, m2m employs 2000 women living with HIV in programs addressing needs of HIV negative and positive women, adolescent girls and young women; and early child development. In 2014, Mitch launched AgeWell, dedicated to needs of older persons. Applying m2m’s peer model, AgeWell employs tech-enabled, independent older people to provide companionship and promote well-being among less able older people. The program has provided service in South Africa, Ireland and the U.S.
