Breaking the Cycle
The AIDS epidemic began over 25 years ago, and the disease continues to prey upon millions of children around the world. Over 2.1 million children are HIV–positive, with more than 400,000 becoming newly infected each year. HIV/AIDS affects non–infected children as well—many are left orphaned or grow up in communities overwhelmed by the disease. These children are at increased risk of poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, disease and early death without proper care and support. As HIV/AIDS continues to take its toll, the disease is also impeding progress in health care, education and quality of life.
UNICEF has placed children center stage in the fight against AIDS with the “Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS” campaign. The global initiative uses the framework of the “4 P’s” to identify the most urgent areas:
- Preventing mother–to–child transmission through testing and treatment of pregnant women;
- Providing pediatric treatment;
- Preventing infection among young people; and
- Protecting and supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS.
UNICEF–supported programs provide care and education for millions of HIV–positive children, as well as those who are orphaned by the disease and those who are living with infected caregivers. UNICEF programs also teach adolescents and young adults about HIV prevention and educate communities about the harmful stigmas surrounding the disease. These stigmas, and the discrimination they produce, remain a considerable barrier to testing, treatment and prevention.
Recent Progress
Through these programs, UNICEF and its partners have made significant strides against HIV/AIDS. The number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy in low- and middle-income countries has increased dramatically, from 400,000 in 2003 to more than 4 million last year. The proportion of HIV–positive pregnant women receiving antiretroviral drugs in those countries has grown from 10 percent in 2004 to about 45 percent in 2008. The number of children under age 15 benefiting from these life-prolonging drugs was more than 275,000 in 2008, a 39 percent increase over 2007.
Despite these achievements, the majority of children in need of treatment are still not getting it. UNICEF staff and partners are at the forefront of a global movement to care for the victims of this disease and to halt its devastation—and we will not rest until every child has been reached.
Related Links
February 6, 2010
MTV and UNICEF produce Kenyan TV drama to fight HIV/AIDS
Partnerships play a vital role in UNICEF’s efforts to halt and reverse the HIV/AIDS pandemic. When it comes to delivering messages about HIV prevention, the organization’s work with media and entertainment partners such as MTV provides a valuable – and credible – connection to young audiences.
December 3, 2009
Innovations in HIV treatment, prevention and care for children
Too many women and children have inadequate access to essential HIV prevention, treatment and care services, according to participants in a recent UNICEF podcast. However, this could change, they said, thanks to recent innovations aimed at expanding services across the developing world.
December 1, 2009
UNICEF report takes stock of effects of AIDS on children
The new "Children and AIDS: Fourth Stocktaking Report" reports that the global economic crisis has been especially hard on those struggling with the effects of HIV and AIDS. The report urges more investment in social protection to support the world's most vulnerable families. Whether through cash grants or food deliveries in times of crisis, social protection can provide families with the strength to survive and get critical care when confronted with HIV and AIDS.
