{"id":979425,"date":"2023-02-01T20:42:56","date_gmt":"2023-02-01T20:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commondreams.org\/news\/end-aids-children-2030"},"modified":"2023-02-01T20:42:56","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T20:42:56","slug":"this-is-a-winnable-fight-leaders-across-africa-pledge-to-end-aids-in-children-by-2030","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radiofree.asia\/2023\/02\/01\/this-is-a-winnable-fight-leaders-across-africa-pledge-to-end-aids-in-children-by-2030\/","title":{"rendered":"‘This Is a Winnable Fight’: Leaders Across Africa Pledge to End AIDS in Children by 2030"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Declaring the fight against HIV and AIDS infections in children \"winnable<\/a>,\" public health officials from across Africa on Wednesday convened in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania to discuss the steps needed from policymakers and the healthcare sector to eradicate pediatric cases by 2030.<\/p> Representatives from 12 countries including Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Cote D'Ivoire, and Cameroon were joined by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), UNICEF, and other global organizations at the first ministerial meeting of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children.<\/p> The alliance was formed last summer, as the United Nations noted<\/a> that just 52% of children living with AIDS are on lifesaving treatment and warned progress for preventing pediatric cases is stalling. Among adults patients, 76% are receiving antiretroviral treatments. <\/p> The delegates unanimously agreed on Wednesday to the Dar es Salaam Declaration for Action<\/a>. The declaration's commitments include:<\/p> \"We have the tools, the guidance, the policies, and the knowledge we need. Now we must make good on this commitment and move to action,\" reads the declaration. \"Together we will not fail.\"<\/p> \"Closing the gap for children will require laser focus and a steadfast commitment to hold ourselves, governments, and all partners accountable for results.\"<\/p> The global alliance has stressed since its formation last year that ending pediatric AIDS and HIV infections is an achievable goal, noting the progress that has been made in several African countries with high HIV burdens. <\/p> \"By the end of 2021, 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa reached the target of 95% ART [antiretroviral therapy] coverage in pregnant women and Botswana was the first high prevalence African country to be validated as being on the path to eliminating vertical transmission of HIV,\" reads a document<\/a> released when the initiative was launched.<\/p> Sixteen countries worldwide have also been \"certified for validation of eliminating vertical transmission of HIV<\/a>,\" according t<\/a>o UNAIDS. <\/p>\n