World Health Day: Why Collaboration Matters for Children Affected by HIV

World Health Day is a time to recognise the power of working together to improve health outcomes for children and adolescents affected by HIV everywhere. Lasting progress to end AIDS doesn’t happen in isolation, it requires strong partnerships, shared goals, and collective action.

In a climate of reduced financing and despite progress made, too many children and adolescents are still being left behind. Gaps in services for key populations continue to limit access to quality HIV prevention and care. For many, the challenges extend beyond health — affecting education, wellbeing, and long-term opportunities. That’s why, in the global HIV response, collaboration is critical. Advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for children and young people have only been possible because communities, healthcare providers, governments, funders, and civil society organisations have come together with a common purpose; to end AIDS. When these efforts are aligned, they can reach further, respond faster, and better meet the needs of children and young people.

Supporting children affected by HIV requires global recognition that they are missing from the centre of HIV conversations, resulting in under-prioritisation and continual underfunding, and hindering improved health outcomes. As a Coalition, we are united by a shared commitment to ensuring that every child and young person affected by HIV can access the care, support, and opportunities they need not only to survive but thrive. By working together, we can help to shape a more effective response.

When we look ahead to our work in 2026 and beyong, a key part of this effort is the integration of services within broader health systems. Ensuring that HIV prevention, testing, and treatment are delivered alongside other essential services to reduce barriers, strengthen continuity of care, and better support the whole child.

This World Health Day, we are reminded that collaboration is not just valuable, it is essential. By strengthening partnerships, advancing integrated approaches, and keeping children and adolescents at the centre, we can continue to build a future where no child is left behind.

Join the conversation. Find out more about becoming a member of the Coalition for Children Affected by AIDS. Contact us here.