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The latest knowledge and evidence on HIV/AIDS
Identifying drivers and mitigators of adolescent HIV and sexual and reproductive health risk and the implications for practice
Identifying drivers and mitigators of adolescent HIV and sexual and reproductive health risk and the implications for practice
The synthesis considered secondary data analysis from three longitudinal adolescent cohort studies in South Africa and four systematic reviews on adolescents’ adherence to treatment and retention in care, the effects of decentralizing antiretroviral therapy on health outcomes for adolescents, understanding adolescent mental health in the context of HIV and adolescent pregnancy, and the experiences of adolescent mothers and their children.The research showed that specific risk factors and interventions – alone or in combination – affected multiple adolescent development outcomes. The findings make a strong case for consistently providing protective packages of multisector interventions that have a direct effect on improving outcomes for adolescents across health, education and violence prevention. When delivered in the right combination, these accelerators can have a synergistic value-added impact on adolescent well-being.
Spotlight on the UNICEF HIV/AIDS fund
Spotlight on the UNICEF HIV/AIDS fund
Funds were allocated to countries based on several measures determining the burden of HIV/AIDS on the population. These included the number of AIDS-related deaths in the country and the number of new infections among children and adolescents in the country. Funds were also allocated to UNICEF’s regional and global headquarters, supporting the vital work that allows thematic funding to unlock wide-scale results and impact the world over.
Key considerations for Fast-Tracking the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in lower-prevalence settings
Key considerations for Fast-Tracking the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in lower-prevalence settings
This key considerations document, developed by UNICEF and WHO, expands on the 2020 “last mile” operational guidance, with specific considerations for countries with lower HIV prevalence. It builds on the experiences of countries that have been validated for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis and translates the valuable lessons and promising practices of these countries into an operational framework for national programmes, consisting of 12 strategies and enablers to guide efforts towards Fast-Tracking EMTCT in lower prevalence countries.It is based on a review of experiences, key lessons learned and promising practices in implementation of EMTCT interventions in lower prevalence countries, including Sri Lanka and Thailand, which have been validated by WHO for having eliminated vertical transmission of HIV, and three countries with the potential to achieve EMTCT by 2030: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and India.
Within Reach: Join the final push to end HIV among adolescent girls
Within Reach: Join the final push to end HIV among adolescent girls
Progress in the HIV response has been promising. Yet, still more than 2.5 million children and adolescents are living with HIV. Even though we have the knowledge and tools to save their lives and prevent others from infection, HIV remains a leading cause of death among adolescentsin Eastern and Southern Africa. The region is home to two thirds of adolescents worldwide living with HIV, with girls disproportionately affected.
Key considerations for fast-tracking the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in lower-prevalence settings
Key considerations for fast-tracking the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in lower-prevalence settings
This key considerations document expands on the 2020 “last mile” operational guidance, with specific considerations for countries with lower HIV prevalence. It builds on the experiences of countries that have been validated for EMTCT of HIV and syphilis and translates the valuable lessons and promising practices of these countries into an operational framework for national programmes, consisting of 12 strategies and enablers to guide efforts towards Fast-Tracking EMTCT in lower- prevalence countries.It is based on a review of experiences, key lessons learned and promising practices in implementation of EMTCT interventions in lower- prevalence countries, including Sri Lanka and Thailand, which have been validated by WHO for having eliminated vertical transmission of HIV, and three countries with the potential to achieve EMTCT by 2030: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and India. This document proposes an operational framework, consisting of 12 strategies and enablers to guide efforts towards EMTCT in lower- prevalence countries.P
Global annual results report 2022
Global annual results report 2022
UNICEF continues to play a critical role in driving progress toward the end of HIV and AIDS among children, adolescents and pregnant women. In 2022, together with partners across sectors, UNICEF advanced the quality and scope of programming for HIV prevention, treatment and care while mitigating the impact of challenges – such as COVID-19 – to the availability of and access to HIV services.UNICEF’s HIV programme is guided by the UNICEF Strategic Plan for 2022–2025. The 2022 Global Annual Results Report for Goal Area 1 presents results in fast-tracking the end of HIV and AIDS as well as the results for interconnected programmes in health, nutrition, and early childhood development.To learn more about UNICEF’s HIV programme, visit www.unicef.org/hiv.
Translating evidence into practice
Translating evidence into practice
With support from the Joint UN 2gether 4SRHR programme, a research partnership with the University of Oxford and University of Cape Town was established with the aim to improve HIV, SRH, and the overall well-being of adolescents by providing sustainable and scalable services. The partnership, which was ongoing from 2018 to 2023, investigated drivers of HIV and SRH risk in adolescents, and was committed to generating and using the latest evidence to propose practical solutions, shape programmes and guide decision-making for adolescents.The results of the partnership are being used in integrating evidence into programming for adolescents throughout the region. They are summarized in a synthesis report, along with the six evidence-to-action briefs featured here.
Investing in the UNICEF HIV/AIDS fund
Investing in the UNICEF HIV/AIDS fund
Connecting your passion or mandate with our missionAs donors, you make deliberate choices to use your resources in the way that creates the best results. At UNICEF, we do the same. We are 100 per cent reliant on voluntary contributions and we know what it takes to use resources to achieve the greatest impact for children.
LGBTQI+ youth in Brazil speak up
LGBTQI+ youth in Brazil speak up
On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2023, we unveil the UNICEF Spotlight Report on the Youth Aware initiative in Brazil. Youth Aware is a partnership with the Brazilian Ministry of Health, to transform the approach to HIV and STI prevention and treatment for LGBTQI+ youth through peer education and community mobilization. Young people in Brazil are disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic, and key populations face heightened vulnerability.Supported by M·A·C VIVA GLAM, this flagship UNICEF programme redefines health services for adolescents, addressing their needs and the shifting landscape of gender and sexuality. The report showcases the stories of courageous individuals countering prejudice and sheds light on their aspirations and challenges. Together, we can challenge stigma, discrimination, and marginalization, advocating for a future where every young person can thrive. Join us as we celebrate IDAHOBIT and champion a healthier, more inclusive future.
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Paediatric abacavir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (pALD) fixed-dose combination
Paediatric abacavir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (pALD) fixed-dose combination
Dolutegravir (DTG)-based HIV treatment regimens are recommended by the World Health Organization for children living with HIV (CLHIV) who weigh at least 3 kg. In 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) granted tentative approval of paediatric DTG 10 mg scored, dispersible tablets (pDTG) for CLHIV weighing a minimum of 3 kg and at least four weeks of age. In early 2021, national HIV programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) began to transition CLHIV from treatment regimens containing non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and lopinavir/ritonavir to pDTG. As of the last quarter of 2022, at least 73 countries have already placed or received orders for pDTG1 and an estimated 130,000 children have transitioned to pDTG. pDTG currently is administered along with optimised backbone antiretrovirals (ARVs) such as abacavir/lamivudine 120/60 mg scored dispersible tablets (pABC/3TC) per the WHO’s 2021 Consolidated HIV Guidelines.This brief aims to inform the transition from pDTG + pABC/3TC to the new fixed-dose combination (FDC) dispersible tablet of paediatric ABC/3TC/DTG 60/30/5 mg (pALD).
It's time to End AIDS in children: now
It's time to End AIDS in children: now
The AU Summit Brochure was created after the inaugural countries leading the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children met together with community representatives, UN agencies, stakeholders and partners gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on February 1st, 2023. This was done to discuss our progress and our plans to end AIDS in Children by 2030 and this brochure highlights each AU country's Global Alliance action plan.
Leveraging the learning from HIV programming
Leveraging the learning from HIV programming
This brief, the first in UNICEF's new Leveraging the Learning series, set out to leverage the learnings from holistic, integrated, multisectoral, and age- and gender-responsive approaches to respond to and reduce early and adolescent pregnancy, support young mothers, and improve health and well-being outcomes for adolescent girls and their children.Highlighting promising practices for pregnant adolescents living with HIV, the report is relevant for efforts to support all pregnant adolescent girls, regardless of their HIV status.