Montreal, 2 August 2022 (TDI): The groundbreaking International Aids Conference, which concludes on Tuesday in Montreal, Canada, pronounced the new Global Alliance for Ending AIDS in Children by 2030.
Together, we can end AIDS in children by 2030.
UNICEF and partners have launched a global alliance to ensure that no child living with HIV is denied treatment, and to prevent new infant HIV infections. #EndAIDS2030
https://t.co/AZrZEPaecF— UNICEF (@UNICEF) August 2, 2022
Also read: AIDS Conference 2022 to take place in Canada
UNAIDS, UNICEF, WHO, and partners have formed a global alliance to guarantee that no child living with HIV is denied treatment and to halt the spread of new infant HIV infections.
This has been done to tackle the stagnation of progress for children and the widening gap between children and adults.
Additionally, the coalition also comprises national governments in the most afflicted areas, civil society organizations, and foreign partners like PEPFAR, and the Global Fund.
Furthermore, twelve countries have also joined the alliance in the first phase; Angola, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
According to the data published by UNAIDS 2022, just half (52%) of children living with HIV are receiving life-saving treatment. The statistics for children are far behind adults, where 76% are receiving antiretrovirals.
Objectives of the AllianceÂ
The alliance has defined four pillars for group action through consultations;
- Early testing and optimized care.
- Closing the treatment gap for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Preventing and detecting new HIV infections.
- Addressing rights, gender equality, and social/structural barriers.
The Global Alliance’s work will be aligned to 4 pillars:
🔵 Early testing & optimized care
🔵 Closing the treatment gap for pregnant & breastfeeding women
🔵 Preventing & detecting new HIV infections
🔵 Addressing rights, gender equality and social/structural barriers pic.twitter.com/ZDYtfqdWXt
— UNICEF HIV and AIDS (@unicef_aids) August 1, 2022
In addition, with the goal of resolving one of the most visible gaps in the AIDS response, the collaboration will last for the next eight years until 2030. Each member of the alliance agrees that cooperation will be necessary to overcome the obstacle.
Promulgations made by the Dignitaries
Addressing the International Aids Conference, Limpho Nteko from Lesotho shared her personal experience with HIV.
Moreover, she said that in order to succeed, youth that is healthy and able to access the services they require in order to protect themselves and their offspring from HIV are needed.
In the same vein, she stated that her program, mothers2mothers has virtually eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission for its enrolled clients.
According to the UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, we can be the generation that ends AIDS in children. This can be done by bringing together new, improved medications, fresh political commitment, and the resolute activity of communities.
Executive Director at @UNAIDS @Winnie_Byanyima makes it clear: Ending aids in children is not only achievable, it’s our moral duty. And we will do it. #AIDS2022 pic.twitter.com/tpSU6LXnvK
— Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (@EGPAF) August 1, 2022
Moreover, UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell reiterated that the formation of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children is a significant step in the right direction. Moreover, UNICEF is dedicated to working with all of its partners to achieve an AIDS-free future.
On his part, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Gheberyesus, the WHO Director-General said that the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to working together in solidarity with the families.
While concluding, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health of Nigeria, announced that Nigeria will host the alliance’s political launch in Africa at a Ministerial meeting in October 2022.
