COVID-19 Policy Briefing: Prioritising Children, Adolescents & Caregivers Affected by HIV in the COVID-19 Response

Corinna Csaky

COVID-19 is having catastrophic and lasting consequences for millions of children, adolescents and caregivers affected by HIV and AIDS. The stigma, co-morbidities and socio-economic vulnerabilities associated with HIV and AIDS, leave them especially vulnerable to the new pandemic and its impacts. Lock downs have curtailed livelihoods and the support they rely on in order to survive and thrive.

COVID-19 and HIV are both infectious diseases that exacerbate inequalities and plague the most vulnerable. The last 30 years of the HIV pandemic have shown us that unless we prioritise those facing social and structural exclusion, we will not achieve global HIV-related targets, nor the Sustainable Development Goals. Nor will we beat this new pandemic of COVID-19.

Adolescent mothers affected by HIV and their children, and the children of key populations are amongst those being left behind. Strengthening community-led services that combine biomedical interventions with support for social protection, mental health and early childhood development are game changers that will enable us to tackle COVID-19 and advance on the hard-won gains against HIV. This integrated approach challenges us to stop working in siloes, and to channel resources to those who need them most.

The Coalition for Children Affected by AIDS has published a new Policy Briefing that includes 9 Calls to Action – so we can act now to prevent those already made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS from being further impacted and not lose precious gains made. Read the COVID-19 Policy Briefing now.

Calls to Action

  1. Put equity at the heart of COVID-19 response and recovery efforts 
  2. Channel funds to communities – fast
  3. Combine biomedical, social and economic support
  4. Grow and integrate HIV programmes for children, adolescents and caregivers
  5. Strengthen the voices of children, adolescents and caregivers affected by HIV
  6. Provide frontline health workers with the support they need to deliver essential services
  7. Promote accurate, accessible information on COVID-19 and its impacts to children, adolescents and caregivers affected by HIV and AIDS
  8. Research and monitor the impact of COVID-19 in children, adolescents and caregivers in areas of high HIV burden
  9. Support a People’s Vaccine

Download the Social Media Toolkit

Help The Coalition for Children Affected by AIDS increase awareness for the issues raised within the COVID-19 Policy Briefing. Share with your networks on social media using the copy and imagery provided. @childrenandHIV, #ReachAllChildren, @The Coalition for Children Affected by AIDS. Download the social media toolkit.