Remarks at the National Launch of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Pediatric AIDS

Honourable Ministers,

Director of Public Health,

The Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission,

Senior Government Officials,

Development Partners,

UN Colleagues,

Representatives of Networks of people living with HIV,

Representatives of Civil Society Organizations,

Members of the Academia and Research Community,

Members of the Media,

Partners, Colleagues, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

Distinguished Guests,

I am honored to stand before you today on behalf of the United Nations System in Uganda as we mark a significant milestone—the national launch of the Global Alliance to End Pediatric AIDS by 2030. This occasion is a testament to our shared commitment to creating a world where no child is born with HIV, and where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and live a healthy life.

As we gather here today, it is crucial to recognize the progress that has been made in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. However, we must also acknowledge the persistent challenges, particularly in the context of pediatric AIDS. Every day, children are born with the virus, facing obstacles that threaten their health and well-being from the very start of their lives. This is a reality that demands our urgent attention and unwavering dedication.

The launch of the Global Alliance to End Pediatric AIDS signifies a collective call to action, a rallying cry for governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities to join forces and accelerate efforts to eliminate pediatric AIDS by 2030. It is a commitment to leaving no child behind, ensuring that every child has access to essential services for prevention, treatment, care, and support.

As we embark on this crucial journey, let us recognize the power of partnerships. The United Nations, alongside our esteemed partners, is committed to working hand in hand with the government of Uganda to strengthen health systems, increase access to antenatal and pediatric care, and ensure that no child is left without the life-saving interventions they deserve.

The United Nations family stands united with the Government of Uganda, reiterating our commitment to collaborate with government entities, development partners, civil society, individuals living with HIV, and the private sector. Our collective aim is to realize the third Sustainable Development Goal: ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Launching the Global Alliance to End Pediatric AIDS, we acknowledge the deceleration in the HIV response for children relative to adults. Over the last five years in Uganda, vertical transmission rates plateaued alongside maternal treatment, contributing to a crisis in pediatric HIV treatment. Shockingly, one-third of all children living with HIV remain undiagnosed.

Contemporarily, new HIV infections persist at higher rates among adolescent girls and young women, partly fueled by inequities hindering their access to HIV services. The entwined issues of sexual violence, adolescent pregnancies, and HIV infections demand our collective attention. We must commit ourselves to addressing the multifaceted nature of these crises.

Aligned with the Global Alliance's four-pillar strategy, we must accelerate four key priorities to end pediatric AIDS by 2030.

Firstly, integrating HIV services within a robust primary health care system, coupled with meaningful investments in community health, is imperative to bridge access, uptake, and retention gaps for HIV-exposed infants, children, and adolescents.

Secondly, a more robust integration of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) with HIV is necessary to reach pregnant and breastfeeding girls, women, and their babies who are currently not on treatment.

Thirdly, addressing the escalating rates of gender-based violence, pregnancies, and new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women in Uganda is crucial.

And fourthly, we urgently need to address rights, gender equality, and the social and structural barriers hindering access through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach.

Moreover, we must address the social determinants that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of education. By addressing these root causes, we can create an environment where children can not only survive but also thrive.

In conclusion, let us remember that the journey to end pediatric AIDS is not one that can be taken alone. It requires collaboration, determination, and a shared vision for a future where no child is burdened by a preventable and treatable virus. Together, we can build a world where every child can grow up free from the impact of HIV/AIDS, realizing their full potential and contributing to a brighter and healthier future for us all.

Thank you.