Time is running out for Children Living with HIV!

The full recording of the Session is available:

• On the HIV2020 Online YouTube Channel - the YouTube playlist of the session is available in English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
• On the HIV2020 Online Soundcloud Channel - the SoundCloud playlist of the session is available in English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish

Session Co-Organiser(s):

This session is co-organised by Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (ICW), Y+ Global (Y+), Aidsfonds, International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC), Paediatric AIDS Treatment for Africa (PATA), Coalition of Children affected by HIV, HealthGap and UNICEF

Session Description:

The world is failing children with HIV. Progress on preventing vertical transmission has stalled and, in some countries, regressed significantly. Early infant diagnosis and treatment enrolment have flatlined at dismally low levels – yet the needs of those aged 0-14 are being ignored. Access to HIV treatment and retention to care for paediatrics remain below target. It is estimated that 1.8 million children are living with HIV, of whom almost 90% live in sub-Saharan Africa. Only an estimated 54% of these children have access to HIV treatment and over 300 children still die from preventable AIDS related causes every day. Inappropriate, suboptimal treatment options have contributed to low treatment coverage. The outrageously poor health outcomes of children with HIV show us how far from reality the call for Universal Health Coverage is. How can we turn this around? This session draws on lived experiences that highlight the central importance of community-led solutions to address the urgent priorities for children living with HIV, from prevention, testing, treatment and care including addressing support needs for parents and caregivers.

Session Program and Information:

This session is moderated by Maurine Murenga, Executive Director, Lean on Me Foundation and Florence Riako Anam, Advocacy Policy & Communications Expert, Medin Sans Fronteires (MSF). 

Presentations available here.

1. Welcome and outline of session by Saima Jiwan, Network Support Officer, GNP+

2. Community Perspectives on key areas since the Kigali Declaration

• Overview of the Kigali Declaration by Maurine Murenga
• The needs and rights of women during pregnancy and breastfeeding by Jackline Okinyi, Project Coordinator, Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya (WOFAK)
• Point of Care - Early infant diagnosis by Annah Sango, National Coordinator, Zimbabwe Young Positives
• Community-led service delivery for HIV and other main health threats to children by Charlene Donald, HIV Prevention Programme Manager, AIDS Foundation South Africa and Bukiyola Ayinde, Board Member, African Community Advisory Board (AfroCAB)

3. Understanding the current context for children in the light of COVID-19 [video available here]

4. Panel on Opportunity to hold ourselves accountable for our response to influence:

• Resourcing by Global Fund and PEPFAR by Blessings Banda, Technical Advisor - Malawi, PATA 
• Implementation of the UNICEF and WHO strategic frameworks for children by Maureen Milanga, Project Associate, HealthGAP
• Rome Paediatric HIV Plan of Action by Alexandra Volgina,  Programme Manager, GNP+
• In-country processes by Catherine Connor, Vice President, Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF)

5. Conclusion and wrap up by Florence and Maureen  

To engage and discuss with others, please join us at our Facebook Event Page here!

#ReclaimTheResponse #ForOurChildren #KigaliDeclaration #EarlyInfantDiagnosis #BeyondLiving