By Berthilde GAHONGAYIRE, Director of the UNAIDS Regional Office for West and Central Africa
Pediatric HIV remains a silent crisis in West and Central Africa. In 2023, less than 35% of children living with HIV in this region have accessed treatment. This alarming figure, well below that of adults, reveals not only a public health problem but also a flagrant injustice in terms of children’s rights. For these children, the fundamental right to health remains inaccessible, exposing millions of young lives to the devastating consequences of a manageable illness.
The importance of a child-centered approach
Children living with HIV face unique challenges: a need for specific care, adapted medications and ongoing medical monitoring. However, pediatric treatment remains rare, difficult to access and, in many cases, unavailable. In a context where stigma and lack of resources amplify the obstacles, it is our collective responsibility to implement a strategy to combat pediatric HIV that prioritizes the needs of these young patients.
A human rights issue
Depriving a child of necessary treatment is a violation of their fundamental rights. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child affirms every child’s right to health. However, in West and Central Africa, thousands of children are deprived of this right, due to lack of funding and appropriate health services. Every child has the right to a fair start in life, and guaranteeing this access to HIV care allows them to plan a healthy future.
The challenges of prevention and screening
Another critical issue is early detection. Although tools for preventing mother-to-child transmission are available, access to them remains limited. Too often, pregnant women are not screened, and children are born without knowing if they carry the virus. This reality highlights the need to strengthen prenatal health and awareness programs, in order to ensure systematic screening and care from the first days of life.
Strengthening health systems for equitable pediatric care
Ensuring an HIV-free future for children requires firm commitments from governments, donors and partners. This involves supporting health systems, training professionals specializing in pediatric care, and ensuring
the supply of suitable medicines. In addition, it is crucial to involve communities and families in awareness campaigns, to combat stigma and encourage an environment where every child can receive the support they need.
A call to action for children’s rights
It is time for the international community and local governments to recognize pediatric HIV as a humanitarian emergency and a priority for children’s rights. Children did not choose to live with HIV, but we have the power to provide them with the care and support they deserve. Every day without action is a day of suffering for these young people. We must therefore mobilize, increase resources and efforts to ensure that every child in West and Central Africa can access quality treatment and live a full and fulfilled life.
The future of children living with HIV depends on our actions today. Let’s make sure we respect their right to health and a healthy future.
