UNICEF global World AIDS Day message: Expand treatment for pregnant women and children

Beijing, 1 December 2012 – Around the world new HIV infections in children are down, but reaching the goal of an AIDS-free generation requires treating more pregnant women and children living with HIV, United Nation Children's Fund (UNICEF) said today. 

Thanks to remarkable global commitment, the world has seen a 24 per cent reduction in new HIV infections in children – from 430,000 in 2009 to 330,000 in 2011.

As of December 2011, over 100,000 more children were receiving anti-retroviral treatment compared to 2010. But less than one-third of children and pregnant women are receiving the treatment they need, as opposed to the global average of 54 per cent for adults overall.

"It is simply wrong that adults are twice as likely as children to receive the treatment they need," said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. "By definition, an AIDS-free generation depends on protecting the youngest and most vulnerable from HIV infection.  We must rededicate ourselves to boosting the number of pregnant women and children being tested and treated through basic antenatal and child health programmes."

Treating HIV-positive pregnant women not only keeps them alive and well, but prevents babies from acquiring HIV during pregnancy, delivery and the breastfeeding period. Treatment can also prevent sexual transmission from an HIV-positive woman to an HIV-negative partner.

In the run up to World AIDS Day UNICEF Ambassadors, Maggie Cheung and Leon Lai lent their support by participating in the Hong Kong charity run "Let's run for zero AIDS." More than 13,000 runners took part in the event to support programmes for children affected by HIV-AIDS in China and other countries.

According to the latest HIV/AIDS Situation Report in China, by the end of 2011, it is estimated that 780,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in China. Mother-to-child transmission accounted for 1 per cent of the total estimated number of people living with HIV.

According to latest reports, in 2011 HIV counseling and testing services were provided to over 8 million pregnant women in China. Testing coverage increased to 93 per cent compared with 89 per cent in 2010.

Forty four per cent of all pregnant women nationwide are receiving free screening services. The percentage of HIV positive pregnant women receiving anti-retroviral treatment stood at 74 per cent.

Working to end new HIV infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive is a key element of UNICEF's overall commitment to child survival under the global movement, "A Promise Renewed."

UNICEF began to working with the Chinese government on HIV/AIDS projects targeted at women and children in 1996. UNICEF supports the Chinese government in preventing mother-to-child transmission, care for children affected by HIV and youth prevention.