Today, as we celebrate Universal Children’s Day, The Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), we are reminded of the persistent stigma faced by children born of structurally silenced women affected by HIV. This affects their well-being, infiltrating school settings, social interactions, and access to treatment and prevention. Today serves as a platform to call upon all stakeholders to uphold children’s rights to healthcare, nutrition, education, and protection from violence, with a special focus on children of marginalised women affected by HIV.
Stigma impacts children and their quality of life. According to a recent report on Financing for Children and Adolescents, Children lag far behind adults in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and many come from populations facing social and structural exclusion, such as young families or key populations.
Ending vertical transmission
GNP+ continues to be instrumental in advocating for the needs of children, focusing on the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV from mothers to children and the reduction of stigma and discrimination that affects children of women living with HIV (WLHIV).
While there has been some progress in reducing vertical transmission, only a handful of countries have eliminated mother-to-child transmissions with the global rate remaining at a high of 11.94% underscoring the need for sustained efforts and innovative strategies to address this challenge.
The challenges are multifaceted. Out-of-pocket high user fees when accessing antiretrovirals (ARVs), limited access to healthcare services, and the pervasive stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to hinder the implementation of effective interventions.
Even though strides have been made to ensure better treatment options for children such as pDTG and the introduction of pALD. Children with HIV still face challenges with accessing treatment due to delayed diagnosis, late treatment initiation, and retention in care. This exacerbates existing barriers that can mean the difference between health and a lifetime of challenges.
Stigma remains a significant barrier to accessing healthcare and support for WLHIV and their children. The inception report of the study on Children of Structurally Silenced Women being conducted by networks of WLHIV from Key populations in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Lebanon highlights the pervasive nature of stigma- symbolic, enacted, and internalized and its impact on health-seeking behavior. For children, this stigma can manifest in school settings, social interactions, and access to healthcare, affecting their overall well-being.
Ending stigma
GNP+ has been pivotal in advocating for the rights of WLHIV and their children. Our work emphasizes the importance of comprehensive strategies that combine biomedical interventions with social measures to combat stigma. By addressing the stigma, not only do we improve access to treatment, but we also foster environments where children can thrive without the shadow of discrimination.
The Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026 aligns with this vision, aiming to reduce stigma and discrimination significantly by 2025. This includes ensuring less than 10% of PLHIV experience stigma and advocating for legal reforms to protect against rights violations.
The strategy further highlights how crucial it is to address the needs of HIV-affected children and adolescents, both in terms of helping them exercise their rights and ending the AIDS epidemic. Established in 2022, The Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children supports the Global AIDS Strategy by galvanizing political and financial support from UN agencies, major donors, NGOs, and governments, all of which have aligned behind a common framework
Such frameworks are crucial for creating inclusive societies where children affected by HIV can enjoy equal opportunities.
Tailored interventions
To effectively address HIV and associated challenges, GNP+ emphasizes the need for tailored interventions that consider the unique challenges faced by WLHIV in different cultural and social contexts. This includes involving key populations in program design and implementation, ensuring that solutions are relevant and effective.
Empowerment of WLHIV is central to protecting their children from HIV and its associated challenges. The Inception report for the research on Children of Structurally Silenced women underscores the importance of attaining education and resilience as protective factors. By supporting mothers through education and social capital, we not only enhance their ability to care for their children but also strengthen their capacity to advocate for their rights and access necessary services.
GNP+ promotes an intersectional approach, recognizing the complex interplay of identity, stigma, and resilience. This approach is crucial for developing strategies that address the root causes of stigma and discrimination while leveraging the strengths and resources within communities.
Call to Action
On this Children’s Day, as we celebrate the potential and rights of every child, let us reaffirm our commitment to eliminating barriers that hinder the health and happiness of children affected by HIV.
GNP+ and its partners continue to champion the rights of WLHIV, advocating for policies and practices that protect children and empower families. Ensuring communities are at the center of the HIV response.
By fostering inclusive societies, investing in comprehensive healthcare solutions, and addressing stigma at all levels, we can create a world where no child is left behind due to the circumstances of their birth. To address the inequalities that hinder access by children we stand together with partners to call on all relevant stakeholders to ensure there is adequate financing for children. As we move forward, let us ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a world free from the shadows of HIV and discrimination.
