Global snapshot on HIV and AIDS - 2024

About

Collective action across multiple sectors has brought the world closer than ever to ending AIDS as a public health threat. There were fewer new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in 2023 than at any point since the mid-1990s. The progress is especially strong in sub-Saharan Africa, which is home to approximately 78% of children (0–14 years) and 83% of adolescents (15–19 years)iving with HIV.

In 2023, an estimated 2.38 million children and adolescents (aged 0–19 years) were living with HIV—1.37 million children (aged 0–14 years) and 1.01 million adolescents (aged 15–19 years).

There have been remarkable advances in recent years which have transformed the HIV response landscape. Innovations such as rapid and self-testing for HIV, simplified single-tablet regimens, and long-acting injectable medications like cabotegravir that prevent acquisition of HIV have redefined standards of care and prevention.

Yet, nearly half of all children and adolescents living with HIV are not benefiting from life-saving treatment, leaving them vulnerable to illness and untimely death.

Ending AIDS among children by eliminating vertical transmission of HIV and ensuring universal access to testing and treatment for children remains a critical, yet unfinished, piece of the global AIDS response. Closing the gaps in treatment and prevention is both feasible and a moral obligation to ensure that every child and adolescent has access to the care and dignity they deserve.