The Global Report (the UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, 2010) shows that progress is being made in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Progress is being made towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

Click here to view a full copy of the UNAIDS report.

This is good news, not only for the infants and children who are benefiting from the improved PMTCT initiatives and strengthened ART guidelines (both of which have shown marked improvements in South Africa), but also the parents and caregivers of children who are living full, long, and hope-filled lives with their children.

HIV treatment works: There has been a 19% decline in deaths due to AIDS between 2004 and 2009. In 33 countries HIV incidence has fallen by more than 25% between 2005 and 2009. In Sub-Saharan Africa (including South Africa) incidence has either stabilized or is showing signs of decline. It is possible to eliminate mother-to-child transmission. There have been dramatic improvements in reducing mother-to-child transmission. In 2009 approximately 370 000 children contracted HIV in the peri-natal and breastfeeding periods; this is down from 500 000 in 2001.

South Africa was singled out in the report; for good reasons this time around. The Report indicates that South Africa has achieved almost 90% coverage of PMTCT and this has resulted in a dramatic reduction in transmission to infants. However, we must remember that there are still great differences between the provinces in the coverage and success rates of PMTCT.

Of great concern is the continued high incidence of HIV and AIDS amongst women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa. More women than men are living with HIV and young women in sub-Saharan Africa aged 15-24 are 8 times more likely to be HIV-positive than men of the same age. Given that these young women are the emerging generation of mothers and caregivers; this has serious implications for children in the region, seeing as the HIV epidemic is closely linked to sexual and reproductive health. This means that we cannot slow the pace of roll out and take up of PMTCT and ARVs if we are to realise the full elimination of mother to child transmission and if we are to ensure that young women survive and live full and healthy lives.

The report further emphasises that in moving forward, the protection of women and girls against infection must be a priority. This requires that they be effectively protected against gender-based violence and that their economic independence be promoted.

The Report calls for strong advocacy in moving forward. Advocacy is especially necessary to ensure the well-being of young children includes promoting access by women and girls to HIV prevention, treatment, and care and support services.

The report seeks to share evidence-based guidance on what works and what will not work and is a valuable source of information for developing your own communication and community mobilisation advocacy campaigns that relate to PMTCT or, indeed, to any other matter impacting on young children and their caregivers.