The new Global Coalition to End AIDS in Children by 2030, comprising UN agencies, civil society groups, governments and international partners, was announced at the International Conference AIDS crisis, coming to an end MontrealCanada, on Tuesday.
‘Healthy, smart generation’
Speaking at the conference, Limpho Nteko from Lesotho shared her journey from an unexpected HIV diagnosis to pioneering a woman-led mother of two program to combat HIV transmission during pregnancy. . Ms. Nteko emphasized that she was pregnant when she was diagnosed the importance of community leadership in the fight against HIV:
“To be successful, we need a healthy, well-informed generation of young people who feel comfortable talking about HIV, and receive the services and support they need,” she told delegates. they need to protect themselves and their children from HIV.”
“Mothers of 2 have achieved virtual eradication of mother-to-child HIV transmission for our subscribers for eight years in a row – showing what can happen when we let women and the community co-create solutions that fit their reality.”
Ms. Netko’s emphasis on community leadership will now be supported by the resources of an international coalition.
Four Pillars of Action
Together, coalition stakeholders have identified four pillars of collective action:
- Closing the treatment gap between breastfeeding adolescent girls and women living with HIV and optimizing treatment continuum.
- Prevention and detection of new HIV infections in pregnant and lactating girls and adolescent women.
- Promote accessible testing, optimal treatment and comprehensive care for infants, children and adolescents exposed to and living with HIV.
- Address gender equality, social and structural barriers that impede access to services.
The alliance’s potential success depends on its unifying nature. UNAIDS CEO Winnie Byanyima argues that, “by bringing together innovative new medicines, new political commitment and determined community engagement, we can be the generation to end AIDS in children. We can win this – but we can only win together.”
UNAIDS said: Only through the cooperation of all levels of society can holistic solutions be created to effectively prevent further HIV transmission.
By localizing solutions and mobilizing commitment and resources around the world, the alliance aims to stimulate innovation and cultivate the technical excellence needed to solve pressing problems. this.
