While the global fight against HIV has made significant strides, adolescent girls remain disproportionately affected. As World AIDS Day approaches, UNICEF warns that the lack of tailored prevention services for adolescent girls will jeopardize progress.
In 2023, adolescent girls accounted for 70% of new HIV infections among 15–19-year-olds worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, the numbers are even more alarming. Nine out of ten new infections in this age group affect girls.
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS LIVING WITH HIV: THE NUMBERS
- Global Infections in 2023: 250,000 new HIV infections were recorded among the 0–19 age group, bringing the total to 2.4 million children and adolescents living with HIV.
- Daily Infections: 330 children aged 0–14 acquired HIV each day last year.
- Deaths: Over 90,000 children and adolescents succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, 73% of whom were under 10.
BARRIERS TO HIV TREATMENT FOR THE YOUNGEST PATIENTS
Access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) lags significantly among children and adolescents:
- Only 57% of children aged 0–14 living with HIV receive ART, compared to 77% of adults.
- Adolescents aged 15–19 fare slightly better, with 65% accessing ART.
The lack of innovative testing technologies and treatment expansion continues to hinder progress for young patients.
REGIONAL TRENDS IN ADOLESCENT HIV RATES
- Eastern and Southern Africa: The region saw a significant decline in HIV infections. Among 0–14-year-olds, there was a 72% decrease. Among 15–19-year-olds, there was a 57% decrease since 2010. Yet, it still recorded 74,000 new adolescent cases in 2023.
- West and Central Africa: 18,000 new infections among adolescents in 2023.
- South Asia: 8,900 new cases among adolescents last year.
- Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Recorded 5,800 new adolescent infections.
- East Asia and the Pacific: Registered 16,000 new infections in 2023.
- Middle East and North Africa: Alarmingly, adolescent infections have risen by 70% since 2010.
- Latin America and the Caribbean: The adolescent infection rate has stagnated for over a decade.
ELIMINATING MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION
Despite challenges, progress has been made in eliminating mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV:
- Certified Countries: 19 nations have been certified for eliminating MTCT of HIV and/or syphilis, including 11 in the Americas.
- African Milestones: Botswana and Namibia are on the path to MTCT elimination.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH ACHIEVEMENTS
The decline in new infections in Eastern and Southern Africa signifies one of the greatest public health victories in decades. Yet, regions like the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caribbean highlight the uneven progress in the global HIV response.
UNICEF CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
UNICEF emphasizes the need for urgent interventions to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on adolescent girls and young women.
- Expand Testing and Treatment: Focus on innovative technologies to diagnose and treat HIV in children and adolescents.
- Tailored Prevention Services: Develop programs that specifically address the vulnerabilities of adolescent girls.
- Increased Funding: Invest in resources to support young patients, ensuring they reap the benefits of global HIV initiatives.