HIV and Teen Mothers: Why Is This Still an Issue?

"We are failing in our global ambitions to tackle HIV and AIDS and their impacts on children and adolescents." The Coalition for Children Affected by AIDS .

Despite decades of global efforts and investment, HIV continues to affect adolescents and young mothers disproportionately. This raises an important question: Is this due to insufficient funding or a lack of targeted support and education for young women?

According to UNAIDS in their "Path that Ends AIDS" report, eradicating AIDS by 2030 is achievable. However, this ambitious goal requires more than resources but demands a solid political commitment, community involvement, evidence-based data and sustainable funding. Today's leaders have a unique opportunity to build a powerful legacy by ending HIV, but this ambition may fall short without consistent support. "The end of AIDS is an opportunity for a uniquely powerful legacy for today's leaders." Winnie Byanyima , Executive Director UNAIDS.

Funding Challenges: Are We Falling Short?

Despite significant contributions, like The Global Fund 's $5 billion annual support for combating HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, the sustainability of this funding is uncertain. The Abuja Declaration aimed to increase domestic investment in health, yet global and local HIV funding has declined in recent years. UNAIDS reported that HIV funding regressed to 2013 levels in 2022, totalling $20.8 billion—well below the $29.3 billion needed by 2025. So, what's holding us back?

The Vulnerability of Young Women and Girls

While some regions, such as West and Central Africa, have reduced new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths since 2010, young women and adolescent girls remain highly vulnerable. In many areas, harmful gender norms limit young women's ability to protect themselves, increasing the risk of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Complex social, cultural, and legal barriers often restrict those under 25 from accessing vital HIV prevention education. Despite being at high risk, young people are rarely consulted or included in the development of sexual health policies, which further alienates them from adequate protection.

In Eastern and Southern Africa, where HIV is most prevalent, girls and young women face significant challenges. Adolescents are often overlooked in HIV responses, leading to gaps in data and limited program implementation. This lack of targeted support, compounded by gender inequality, poverty, violence, exclusion, and inadequate education, leaves young women with few options for self-protection.

The numbers are alarming: in 2022 alone, 4,000 girls and young women were infected with HIV every week as per UNAIDS Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet. In sub-Saharan Africa, young women account for 80% of new HIV infections among 15- to 19-year-olds. The scale of the epidemic is shifting, and young women are bearing the brunt of it.

Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission: A Missed Opportunity?

Safe childbirth is crucial for all expectant mothers, particularly those who are HIV-positive. However, access to proper healthcare facilities remains a challenge for many women in sub-Saharan Africa, especially those needing emergency obstetric services. Each day, 500 children contract HIV according to Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation report, with over 90% of infections transmitted from HIV-positive mothers during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Testing and treatment for HIV-positive pregnant women are critical steps toward reducing mother-to-child transmission, yet these services remain insufficiently available.

Due to the disproportionately high HIV prevalence among young women aged 15 to 24, as highlighted by UNICEF , addressing mother-to-child HIV transmission should be a primary focus in efforts to eradicate HIV. However, without reliable access to healthcare and targeted support for adolescent mothers, this issue will continue to persist.

What Needs to Change?

To address the HIV crisis among teen mothers, we need comprehensive policies that improve access to maternal and child health services, train healthcare workers on safe delivery practices, and build infrastructure for safe childbirth. Community-based counselling and outreach are essential for encouraging skilled deliveries and supporting young women living far from healthcare facilities.

Is This a Funding Issue?

Yes, it is. 

This is why EANNASO through the SHARP project are advocating for SRHR services and commodities to be made accessible, available, affordable and of quality in the Great Lakes Region.

Article written by Lizzie Otaye PRSK , Doris Kathia , and Irene Musila