Paediatric and Adolescent Treatment

In this viewpoint Getting back on track to ending AIDS in Children: It could just be easier than you think, published in the Journal of the International AIDS Society on World Children's Day, 20 November 2023, UNICEF reviews the global inequities faced by children and adolescents living with HIV and highlights three strategies to end AIDS in children by 2030.

In 2022 an estimated 930,000 children (aged 0-14 years) were living with HIV in Eastern and Southern Africa. Nearly one-third of these children were not receiving lifesaving treatment. Children with HIV need both antiretroviral treatment and viral load suppression if they are to lead long and healthy lives.

UNICEF, in collaboration with governments and partners, supported an updated analysis of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) data in Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe from 2017-2020 to better understand viral suppression among children, especially in the context of WHO recommendations for newer, more efficacious drug regimens and the COVID-19 pandemic.

A previous analysis of 2016-2018 LIMS data found that one in every three children was not virally suppressed. The updated study found a steady increase since then in viral load testing, the use of more efficacious and palatable antiretroviral regimen options, and improved viral load suppression. However, children are still falling short of global targets to end AIDS by 2030. The full report describes the methodology, key findings, limitations, and proposes further prioritization and accelerated action to improve treatment outcomes for children with HIV.

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.

The Republic of Uganda Ministry of Health has released its National Pediatric and Adolescent HIV Advocacy Strategy And Road Map 2022-2026, disseminated in Kampala during October 2022. 

The overall objective of this strategy is to complement and catalyze the ongoing national programs targeted at improving pediatric and adolescents HIV outcomes by addressing the policy and resource allocation gaps. This will be through putting in place a uniform and harmonized technical approach to advocacy across the national response stakeholders. The strategy provides standardized practical approaches to guide stakeholders in planning, designing, implementing and evaluating advocacy initiatives in support of pediatric and adolescents HIV. The strategy will institute systems to keep truck of ongoing and new advocacy initiatives to ensure they are aligned to the advocacy issues highlighted in the strategy for continuous process quality improvement and mitigate risks associated with uncoordinated advocacy initiatives. 

This document provides a compilation of tools, best practices and guidelines that facilitate the integration of interventions and services to address the interlinked issues of mental health and HIV. It emphasizes the importance of integrating HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care; mental health services and care for people living with HIV.

Forms for data collection, surveys for SOPs on blood handling, household screening, registration, recuritement and more.

Building on research findings and effective interventions in low-and middle-income countries, this policy brief identifies key risks, including bullying and stigma, and facilitators, such as positive parenting and social support, that influence pathways between mental health and HIV outcomes for adolescents. It is part of a broader series that aims to support the translation of research into improved adolescent sexual reproductive health and HIV programming.

Good mental health and psychosocial wellbeing is especially important for adolescents during their transition to adulthood. It can support resilience and help initiate healthy behaviours that shape long-term positive health outcomes. Evidence shows that adolescents living with HIV are more likely to experience mental health challenges compared to their peers who do not have HIV. Poor mental health outcomes have been linked to low rates of adherence to life-saving antiretroviral treatment (ART) and retention in care.  Understanding risk factors and protective factors that influence mental health and ART adherence amongst adolescents is critical for effective programming. Within eastern and southern Africa, there is great momentum to identify and scale-up interventions that address mental health and improve treatment, care and support for adolescents living with HIV.