This a global initiative to end AIDS in children by 2030. The alliance was formed to accelerate and support action at global, regional, country and community level in a bid to urgently end AIDS in children and adolescents.
The Global Alliance aims to accelerate the HIV response for mothers and the children affected and/or infected with HIV; the earlier initiatives include, “Global plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive”, and the “Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free” 2016-2020 framework. These worldwide campaigns helped to coordinate, accelerate, support and monitor the global response to HIV and AIDS amongst children, adolescents and mothers. As a result, from 2010 to 2020, significant progress was made along the paediatric and adolescent HIV indicators globally.
In Uganda maternal ART coverage for prevention of vertical HIV transmission reached near universal coverage by 2015, with over 73% new paediatric infections averted. Unfortunately, despite the above gains and sustained investment in innovative diagnostics and medicines, Uganda like the rest of the globe did not meet the 2020 epidemic control targets for children and adolescents.
The Global Alliance to end Paediatric AIDS by 2030 is a global initiative co-convened by UNICEF, UNAIDS and WHO in collaboration with PEPFAR, Global Fund (GFTAM), CSOs and networks of PLHIV. The Global Alliance is a 9-year initiative that seeks to bring together key stakeholders at national, regional, and global levels who work with women, children and adolescents living with HIV, national governments and partners to mobilize leadership and funding toward accelerated efforts to address persisting PMTCT and paediatric HIV response gaps. The alliance was launched globally in Montreal, Canada in July 2022, with the Africa region launch completed in February 2023 in Dar es Salam, Tanzania. t
The implementation of the alliance will be phased across its 9-year tenure; twelve highest burden countries including Uganda are prioritized for phase one with country commitment formally ascertained through senior government at the Africa region launch.
The Global alliance strategy is premised on 4 pillars with community and country-led interventions as key pivots, namely,
- Early testing and comprehensive, high-quality treatment and care for HIV exposed infants, children and adolescents living with HIV.
- Closing the treatment gap and optimizing continuity of treatment for pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV.
- Preventing new HIV infections among pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Addressing rights, gender equality, and the social & structural barriers that hinder access.
15 Global Alliance Champions were nominated and supported by ViiV Health Care & partners, the Champions will work at country level & amplify the calls to end AIDS in children and adolescents by 2030.
The Global Alliance Champions 2024 Orientation Workshop is set to empower advocates to tackle the pressing issue of ending AIDS in children and adolescents by 2030. This initiative marks a significant step towards amplifying the calls for action at the country level.
With the goal of eradicating AIDS among the younger population within the next decade, the workshop brings together a diverse group of Champions who are passionate about driving change. These Champions, representing various regions and backgrounds, are poised to become catalysts for progress in their respective communities.
The orientation workshop serves as a platform for Champions to connect, collaborate, and strategize on effective ways to address the challenges hindering progress towards ending AIDS in children and adolescents. Through shared insights, experiences, and expertise, they aim to develop innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of their communities.
One of the key objectives of the workshop is to equip Champions with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to drive impactful advocacy efforts. By fostering partnerships and leveraging the collective strength of the alliance, Champions are empowered to influence policies, raise awareness, and mobilize support towards achieving the ambitious goal of an AIDS-free generation.
Each Champion brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table, making the workshop a dynamic forum for learning and collaboration.
