Understanding and improving viral load suppression
In children living with HIV
Webinar: Understanding and Improving Viral Load Suppression in Children Living with HIV
Tuesday, 20 April, 2021 8:30–10:00 AM ET
This webinar co-hosted by UNICEF, UNAIDS and WHO shared findings, challenges and recommendations from a mixed methods study in Uganda, Malawi and Zimbabwe, undertaken by UNICEF's Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa in collaboration with governments and partners, to determine viral load suppression rates and identify their drivers to inform programming. A panel discussion was convened with country representatives to reflect on the findings and way forward from the ministry of health, laboratory and health worker perspectives. The webinar further provided a global overview of the status of the HIV response and remaining gaps for children, followed by a presentation of WHO guidelines and partnerships for improved diagnostics, treatment and monitoring for children living with HIV.
Population-based surveys have found that children on antiretroviral treatment fare worse in achieving viral load suppression compared to adults. With this persistent inequity, ending AIDS in children will not be possible without adaptations and innovation in programming.
UNICEF's Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa, in collaboration with governments and partners, supported a mixed methods study that included literature review, assessment of laboratory data in Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe, and interviews with health workers and caregivers in Malawi to determine viral load suppression rates and identify their drivers to inform programming. This webinar shared findings, challenges and recommendations from the study and convened a panel discussion with country representatives to reflect on the findings and way forward from the ministry of health, laboratory and health worker perspectives.
The webinar opened with a global overview of the epidemiology and HIV response for children, stressing the urgent need to close the gap in paediatric treatment, followed by a presentation of the new WHO guidelines and Vatican partnership for improved diagnostics, treatment and care for children.