Investing in children and adolescents affected by HIV – The Coalition launches a new report

The Coalition for Children Affected by AIDS (CCABA) has launched a new report  that identifies how much funding is going to children and adolescents, where, on what and where the gaps are. We commissioned renowned analyst, John Stover at Avenir Health, to do this research. This is the first time such an analysis has been achieved and there is a lot of interest in the findings.  It is a vital piece of the puzzle that brings us one step closer to ending AIDS in children and adolescents.

The report points to some clear investment opportunities. In particular, testing and treatment, and support to adolescent girls and young women, orphans and vulnerable children, and children and adolescents from populations that are at increased risk of HIV infection – for example, those associated with sex work – are priorities for investment. Further investment is required in the biomedical aspect of HIV, as well as in building strong health systems, and tackling wider issues of poverty and inequality. A range of donors and other key actors have a role to play, and this report is a useful guide for them on where the gaps are.

Progress is possible even where funding is scarce. Making children and adolescents affected by HIV a political priority; ring-fencing funds for them within existing budgets; tracking and reporting on funding for them; and prioritizing investments in cost-effective solutions that target those left furthest behind will all make a difference.

We cannot end AIDS, nor achieve the Sustainable Development Goals without investing in children and adolescents affected by HIV. They are amongst those left furthest behind. The number of new HIV infections amongst children is more than eight times the global target. And many millions of children and adolescents—both HIV-positive and -negative—are grappling with the impacts of the disease, which include poverty, sexual exploitation and abuse, early childhood development delays, poor mental health, violence, stigma, and missing out on education.

“I urge other advocates to use this report to champion change for children and adolescents everywhere. Many children and adolescents, including young mothers like me, urgently need greater investment – from all sources – to ensure that we survive and thrive.  And we must be supported to play our part in deciding where and how resources are spent; monitoring whether they are reaching those children and adolescents ordinarily left behind; and evaluating whether they are having an impact.”  Miriam Hasasha, Young Mother Ambassador for the Coalition for Children Affected by AIDS and peer educator with Teens Uganda and UNYPA

Download the report here.

Download the social media toolkit here to help amplify messages about the report.