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| [PHOTO: UNifeed] |
New York: New HIV infections in children are down, but reaching the
goal of an AIDS-free generation requires treating more pregnant women and
children living with HIV, UNICEF said.
Thanks to remarkable global commitment, the world has seen a
24 per cent reduction in new HIV infections in children – from 430,000 in 2009
to 330,000 in 2011.
And, as of December 2011, over 100,000 more children were
receiving antiretroviral treatment compared to 2010.
But less than one-third of children and pregnant women are
receiving the treatment they need, as opposed to the global average of 54 per
cent for adults overall.
“It is simply wrong that adults are twice as likely as
children to receive the treatment they need,” said UNICEF Executive Director
Anthony Lake. “By definition, an AIDS-free generation depends on protecting the
youngest and most vulnerable from HIV infection. We must do still more to help mothers and
children who live with HIV be able to live free from AIDS. We must rededicate ourselves to boosting the
number of pregnant women and children being tested and treated through basic
antenatal and child health programmes.”
Treating HIV-positive pregnant women not only keeps them
alive and well, but prevents babies from acquiring HIV during pregnancy,
delivery and the breastfeeding period. Treatment can also prevent sexual
transmission from an HIV-positive woman to an HIV-negative partner.
Working to end new HIV infections among children by 2015 and
keeping their mothers alive is a key element of UNICEF’s overall commitment to
child survival under the global movement, “A Promise Renewed.”