Despite significant advancements in reducing HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths among children, a new report highlights the urgent need for accelerated HIV services in countries most affected by the pandemic.
The Global Alliance for Ending AIDS in Children by 2030 has released a report titled “Transforming Vision into Reality”, which reveals both progress and persistent challenges in the fight against paediatric HIV/AIDS. Whilst programmes targeting vertical transmission have averted 4 million infections among children aged 0-14 years since 2000, the pace of progress has slowed in recent years, jeopardising the goal of ending AIDS in children by 2030.
Several countries within the Global Alliance have achieved notable success in providing lifelong antiretroviral therapy to pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV. Uganda has nearly reached 100% coverage, followed closely by the United Republic of Tanzania at 98% and South Africa at 97%. Other countries with high coverage rates include Mozambique (90%), Zambia (90%), Angola (89%), Kenya (89%), Zimbabwe (88%), and Cote d’Ivoire (84%).
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima praised these achievements, saying: “With the medicines and science available today, we can ensure that all babies are born – and remain – HIV-free, and that all children who are living with HIV get on and stay on treatment.”
Persistent challenges and widening gaps Despite these advancements, the report highlights several areas of concern. In 2023, approximately 120,000 children aged 0-14 years were newly infected with HIV globally, with 77,000 of these infections occurring in Global Alliance countries. Additionally, 76,000 AIDS-related deaths were recorded among children in the same age group, with Global Alliance countries accounting for 49,000 of these deaths.
The treatment gap between adults and children continues to widen, with only 57% of children living with HIV receiving life-saving treatment compared to 77% of adults.
Vertical transmission remains a concern Vertical transmission rates remain alarmingly high in some regions, particularly in Western and Central Africa. Countries such as Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported rates exceeding 20%, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in these areas.
The report also emphasises the critical role of addressing gender inequalities and human rights violations in the fight against paediatric HIV/AIDS. In 2023, there were 210,000 new infections globally among young women and girls aged 15-24 years, with 130,000 occurring in Global Alliance countries. This figure is four times higher than the 2025 goal of 50,000 new infections.
Nearly one in three women globally have experienced some form of violence during their lifetime, with adolescent girls and young women disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence. These factors increase women’s vulnerability to HIV and hinder their access to essential services.
The Global Alliance for Ending AIDS in Children by 2030, launched in 2022 by WHO, UNICEF, and UNAIDS, has expanded to include civil society movements, national governments, and international partners such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund. Twelve countries are currently members of the alliance: Angola, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Reference: World Health Organization. (2024). Transforming Vision into Reality. WHO Publications. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/transforming-vision-into-reality
