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mothers2mothers (m2m) Quarterly Report for Q3 2024 is out and we are excited to share some of the highlights: 🇱🇸 After a competitive process, m2m Lesotho has been selected as the lead implementing partner for Bokamoso—a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to improve the health and well-being of orphans and vulnerable children, adolescent girls and young women, and their caregivers, families, and communities. 🙌🏾 m2m delivered excellent health outcomes across the board in Q3—from high rates of HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression and comprehensive STI screenings to further progress in reduced maternal and child mortality rates among our enrolled clients. 🌍 Q3 saw m2m expand to employ 1,228 community health workers who delivered services from 462 health facilities and community locations across sub-Saharan Africa. 🇿🇲 Our exceptional results under the USAID Zambia Integrated Health Activity (ZIH) demonstrate how our peer-led model can transform health outcomes for women and families by seamlessly integrating HIV prevention, maternal health, tuberculosis care, and family planning. Read the full report here: https://buff.ly/4fguOqR

7 August 2024 UN Agencies Call for Urgent Action to Strengthen HIV Services and End AIDS by 2030   SDG 3   Source: UNAIDS Thailand/Cedriann Mart The Global Alliance, launched by WHO, UNICEF, and UNAIDS in 2022, includes 12 African countries and has made significant progress in reducing HIV infections among children. The new report, "Transforming Vision Into Reality," highlights the prevention of four million infections among children since 2000 and high antiretroviral therapy coverage among HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women, with Uganda nearing 100%. However, in 2023, 120,000 children aged 0-14 were infected, with 77,000 cases in Global Alliance countries, which also recorded 49,000 of 76,000 global AIDS-related deaths in this age group. The report stresses the need to close the treatment gap and address gender inequalities to meet 2030 targets. #UnitedNations #UNAIDS #SDG #SDG3 #UVSociety #EndingAIDS Link to source: https://lnkd.in/dcATBUMd

The rise in new HIV cases globally is alarming, and South Sudan is no exception. In 2023 alone, 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV worldwide . South Sudan, with its limited resources, faces a daunting challenge in combating this epidemic. What's more concerning is that South Sudan's national budget allocates less than 3% to health. This underfunding severely hampers the country's ability to meet its targets and provide essential services to those affected. We must raise awareness and advocate for increased funding and support to tackle this crisis effectively. The health and well-being of millions depend on it. UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima USAID World Health Organization

An estimated 13.8 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents to AIDS, with 90% of those children living in sub-Saharan Africa (USAID, 2021). With recent declines in HIV incidence rates due to antiretroviral therapy (ART), it is important to monitor trends in orphanhood over time. I will spend the next three months working with the Rakai Health Sciences Program in Kalisizo, Uganda, as part of the Rakai Orphans in Community (ROC) study. Our research will focus on understanding the evolving burden of orphanhood among children aged 0-14, particularly within the context of the HIV epidemic. Through quantitative analysis, we will explore the association of orphanhood with household socioeconomic status, family configuration, community type, and other relevant factors. I look forward to contributing to this vital research, which has the potential to inform and improve support for vulnerable children and families in Uganda.

UNICEF's latest HIV estimates are a powerful reminder. While we've made incredible strides – 84% of pregnant women with HIV now receive treatment protecting their health and babies' lives, and new infections have dropped significantly since 2010 – significant gaps remain, especially for children, adolescents, and pregnant women. ➡ The starkest gap is treatment access. Only 57% of children with HIV receive life-saving antiretroviral therapy, compared to 77% of adults. Tragically, this results in 250 children under 14 dying from AIDS-related causes every single day. ➡Adolescent girls face another critical challenge. We're far from reaching the SDG target of a 90% reduction in new infections among them. Each day, 571 adolescent girls and young women become newly infected, with the vast majority (78%) in sub-Saharan Africa. These numbers underscore the urgent need to redouble our efforts. We must close the treatment gap and develop targeted interventions to protect our most vulnerable populations. Let's work together to ensure every child, adolescent, and woman has access to the care they deserve. #EndAIDS #HIVprevention #ChildrensHealth Read 👉 https://lnkd.in/dXks2fg9

🔴HIV🔴Mpumalanga has recorded the highest HIV prevalence rate in South Africa, with 17.4% of its population living with HIV, as revealed in the latest findings from the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for 2022. This translates to approximately 890,000 people in the province affected by the epidemic. The results highlight urgent needs for targeted interventions, particularly among vulnerable groups, such as youth and individuals in rural areas, as antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage continues to rise but gaps remain in treatment and prevention efforts. Full News⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ddJbJEUA

This is an equity issue: Children lag far behind adults in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and many come from populations facing social and structural exclusion, such as young families or key populations. The overall lack of their prioritization is the root cause of low investment in them: Data on children are not collected making their needs less visible, they are not a political or funding priority, and as a result, their needs are not met. This is a travesty, not least because HIV in children is now entirely preventable and treatable, and exposure to HIV and its wider social and economic impacts are holding back generations. We now have a much better understanding of what funds are being spent, where, how much, by whom, and where the gaps are—in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) across the world, including the 21 countries of highest HIV burden that account for 80% of disease for children. And for three countries—Kenya, Uganda, and Cameroon—this report provides detailed insights. Click on the link to read the full report https://lnkd.in/dgC2nErF The Coalition for Children Affected by AIDS

HIV/AIDS remains a health threat globally and is among the leading causes of death in Tanzania. Young people are at a high risk for HIV infection and generally have lower rates of being on lifesaving treatment and being virally suppressed relative to adults. Adolescent girls and young women bear a disproportionate burden of new HIV infections among young people, accounting for nearly two out of three new HIV infections among young people globally. Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS) ongoing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention /PEPFAR Funded 𝑨𝑭𝒀𝑨 𝑯𝑨𝑻𝑼𝑨 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 aims to close equity gaps among priority populations, one of the goals is to support implementation of effective HIV awareness, prevention, and treatment strategies that are Youth Friendly. Young people are catalysts for change and innovation in the fight to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. #PamojaTunaboreshaAfya

Did you know? 🌍 HIV/AIDS continues to affect millions of people worldwide. Here are some important facts: New infections: Approximately 1.5 million people become infected with HIV each year. Global impact: Sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt of the epidemic, with over 60% of new infections occurring in this region. Treatment advances: While there's no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help people with HIV live long and healthy lives. Let's work together to raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. For more details about CCRC and their supportive services, visit [CCRC Mental Health Support] Learn more at: https://postly.click/IHl/ #HIVAIDS #WorldHealthDay #EndStigma

Five questions about the HIV response in Nigeria. 1. What are the main areas of progress in your country’s response to the HIV epidemic in the last five years? 2. What are the main challenges that still need to be addressed? 3. How has COVID-19 affected the HIV response in your country? 4. Who are the unsung leaders of the AIDS response in your country? First, we need to recognize the outstanding work delivered by communities of key populations and networks of Persons Living with HIV in Nigeria. They truly are unsung heroes of the AIDS response. We also need to laud the support and commitment of international partners such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund. 5. If you could ask your Head of State to change one thing to strengthen the HIV response, what would it be? I would call on Nigeria to take forward its commitments by investing its fair share in the AIDS response and by increasing domestic financing. Executive Director YOSACA