The report, titled *Transforming Vision Into Reality*, highlights that since 2000, programs targeting the vertical transmission of HIV have prevented 4 million infections in children aged 0-14. Globally, new HIV infections in this age group have decreased by 38% since 2015, and AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 43%.
Among the twelve countries in the Global Alliance, several have made strides in delivering lifelong antiretroviral therapy to pregnant and breastfeeding women with HIV. Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and South Africa are approaching near-total coverage, while Mozambique, Zambia, and other countries are making significant progress.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima commended the advancements but stressed the need for immediate scaling of HIV services. "We cannot rest on our laurels," she said. "Every child's death from AIDS-related causes is a tragedy. The world must fulfill its promise to end AIDS in children by 2030."
Global Alliance countries are adopting innovative approaches to overcome barriers, yet neither the world nor the Alliance countries are on track to meet HIV-related commitments for children and adolescents. The rate of new infections and deaths among children has slowed, indicating a critical need for intensified efforts.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, emphasized that accelerating HIV service delivery for children and adolescents is both a moral obligation and a political choice. He called for strengthened collaboration and focused action to close the treatment gap.
In 2023, around 120,000 children aged 0-14 contracted HIV, with 77,000 of these infections occurring in Global Alliance countries. AIDS-related deaths in children totaled 76,000 globally, with 49,000 in these countries. High vertical transmission rates persist, particularly in Western and Central Africa.
Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, stressed the need for continued investment and innovation in pediatric HIV treatment. "We must do better for children," he said, noting efforts to provide affordable treatments and improve diagnostic and treatment systems.
UNICEF Associate Director Anurita Bains highlighted the widening treatment gap between children and adults. Just 57% of children living with HIV receive life-saving treatment, compared to 77% of adults. Bains called for scaling up testing and treatment to close this gap.
The report also addresses the high rate of new infections among young women and girls, with 210,000 new cases globally in 2023, significantly above the 2025 target. Gender inequalities and human rights violations continue to exacerbate women's vulnerability to HIV.
Ambassador John N. Nkengasong, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, emphasized the need for renewed commitment and innovation to meet targets for 2025 and beyond. The Global Alliance, launched in 2022 by WHO, UNICEF, and UNAIDS, now includes a broad coalition of partners working to rejuvenate the pediatric HIV agenda.
The Alliance's twelve member countries are Angola, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.