Imagine a world where 17 million children were not left orphaned, where individuals, families and communities were able to thrive, free from HIV and AIDS – that is a world worth chasing. We work with partners in sub-Saharan Africa to provide access to life-saving treatment and care for people in remote places living with HIV. Treatment has become so effective we are now seeing children born HIV-fr
ee, whilst keeping parents alive and families together. AIDS-related deaths are falling and the number of children born with HIV is decreasing. But we still have a long way to go. The effects of HIV and AIDS have devastated families and communities, causing over 30 million deaths worldwide. It is now the leading cause of death among young women worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa is the worst affected part of the world, with particular challenges in getting ARV treatment to people living in rural, remote communities. The UN has developed a Fast-Track approach that will allow us to eliminate AIDS by 2030. One of these targets is zero new HIV infections among children by 2020, and mothers living with HIV kept alive and well. We are pursuing this goal, alongside chasing zero AIDS-related deaths, in sub-Saharan Africa through the work of our Mother Buddies and the Pregnancy Twinning programme. Giving expectant mothers support and advice during pregnancy – including access to ARV therapy – is proving to be a very effective way to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and to keep whole families affected by HIV healthy and well. We can’t wait to see a whole generation born free from HIV, and the end of AIDS by 2030.
