40 Years of HIV: Addressing Inequities in the Global AIDS Response

Forty years after the first AIDS cases were reported, the harsh reality is that deep inequities continue to exist in the global response to HIV and AIDS, with gaps in rights and services preventing real progress. And while it is painful to admit, one of the most overlooked segments of the population is children.

COVID has exacerbated this longtime inequity. In fact, as of September 2021, over 2.3 million children have lost one or more primary caregivers to the virus. The most recent data update from UNAIDS indicates that gaps in testing have left more than two fifths of children living with HIV undiagnosed. And the number of children on treatment globally has declined since 2019, leaving almost 800,000 children living with HIV without the medicines they need to save their lives. Almost 90 percent of all children living with HIV globally are located in Africa, which is why EGPAF believes it is so imperative that we center the role of African leaders and partners if we are to make meaningful progress in ending HIV in children, youth, and families.

On Monday, November 29th at 9 am ET, EGPAF will host an online discussion to mark World AIDS Day, bringing together stakeholders, policymakers, youth advocates, and national leaders to discuss the actions needed right now to end inequities and create an AIDS-free generation.

To read more and register for this event, click here.

Event Overview:

• Opening Remarks: Rhoda Igweta, Associate Director, Public Policy & Advocacy, EGPAF (Moderator)
• Investing in PEPFAR and Addressing COVID’s Impact on the Global AIDS Response (via video): California Representative Ami Bera
• The U.S. Response to HIV/AIDS in Children and Youth: Dr. Angeli Achrekar, Acting Global AIDS Coordinator
• Ending Pediatric AIDS on the Continent: What Will It Take? Dr. Angela Mushavi, National PMTCT and Pediatric HIV Care and Treatment Coordinator, Zimbabwe
• Working to Create an AIDS Free Generation as We Address the Deep Disruption of COVID-19: Dr. Judith Kose, Associate Director, Pediatric Services, EGPAF
• Giving Children and Youth a Voice in the AIDS Response: Jane Emmanuel, EGPAF Youth Leader
• Panel Discussion and Q&A, moderated by EGPAF CEO Chip Lyons