UNICEF: Global progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS Pt. 4

NEW YORK, USA, 3 April 2008 -- Important progress has been made in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS since UNICEF -- as a UNAIDS co-sponsoring agency -- launched the Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign in October 2005.

Released today, the 'Children and AIDS: Second stocktaking report' says efforts to reduce the rate of mother-to-child transmission have seen the most significant gains. In 2005, only 11 per cent of women living with HIV were getting drugs to prevent transmission. Now, 31 per cent are receiving treatment.

Advances in paediatric care have been equally dramatic. In 2005, only 70,000 children were getting antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), but in 2006, that number rose to 127,000 -- a 70 per cent increase.

"That's enormous progress," said UNICEF Chief of HIV and AIDS Jimmy Kolker.

UNICEF and its partners have concentrated on solutions that don't operate in a vacuum but strengthen national health systems, as well as harnessing community support. The strategy is paying off.

In this report, World Health Organization Coordinator of Strategic Information in the HIV Department, Yves Souteyrand, talks about building on the progress made so far against AIDS.

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