Cell phones can play a critical role in providing health care to HIV/AIDS patients.

In areas of Kenya with limited health resources, a study showed that patients who received regular communication from clinical nurses about their health had higher adherence rates to their antiretroviral treatment and better rates of viral suppression, compared to a control group.

This is great news and it’s a model that should be replicated, specifically in areas of sub-Saharan Africa where HIV/AIDS patients don’t have easy access to health care.

But in impoverished areas, buying cell phone minutes can be a significant financial burden.

That’s why we’re calling on the leading cell phone providers in the region -- starting with airtel, Vodafone, Vodacom and MTN -- to provide free minutes so HIV/AIDS patients can be in regular contact with nurses and doctors.

Sign this petition asking for the heads of these companies to donate air time to these customers who need it most.