Last updated on: 11 December 2024
In summer 2024 Aidsfonds launched three new pilot projects for children living with HIV. These projects were selected by Aidsfonds’ Paediatric HIV Advisory Panel. The projects aim to test new and innovative community-based approaches to identify and support children living with HIV who are underserved. This is important as these children are hard to reach, falling through the crack in the health care system.
Focus on children of female sex workers in South Africa
In South-Africa ZoeLife started a project that specifically focuses on children of female sex workers and children of young mothers. This is an important step towards reaching underserved children and offering them adequate support. ZoeLife collaborates with SWEAT, a sex worker-led organisation, to enhance existing health interventions, and to provide community-based outreach, case management, and healthcare linkage.
Traditional birth attendants in Malawi support children living with HIV
In Malawi, the Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS collaborates with traditional birth attendants and traditional healers to reach and support children and pregnant women living with HIV who live far away from the health facility. This is crucial to ensure all children living with HIV have access to HIV treatment and support. In addition, female sex workers are trained to conduct HIV testing among other female sex workers and their children.
A school-focused approach in Zambia
In Zambia, CopperRose Zambia focuses on finding and supporting children living with HIV (aged 5-14) who are going to school. Community health workers often miss out on these children as they are at school when they visit their houses. CopperRose Zambia implements a school-focused approach to increase testing and support at schools which enhances adherence to HIV treatment.
About the Aidsfonds Paediatric HIV Advisory Panel
The community driven Paediatric HIV Advisory Panel advises Aidsfonds on Paediatric HIV strategies, models and funding mechanisms, as well as to collaborate in the decision-making processes for funding.
