HEAL Africa has been able to pioneer initiatives that are comprehensive and interconnected, bringing development aid and changing attitudes through the central organization in Goma, and through a network of partnerships that link faith groups, government hospitals and clinics, schools both public and private, and local organizations in far-flung villages. These initiatives address specific issues: HIV, high mortality of women in childbirth, gender-based violence, or lack of access to justice. Their impact leads to critical awareness and analysis of behavior, and sometimes, causes change. Students become champions of gender and justice issues and HIV prevention, and become peer educators who teach others. HEAL Africa is preparing for peace by building healthy individuals and communities.