Source: Daily Trust
New HIV infections in children are down, but reaching the goal of an AIDS-free generation requires treating more pregnant women and children living with HIV, a statement issued by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to media houses on World AIDS day has stated.
The statement says it is a welcome development that, the world has seen a 24 per cent reduction in new HIV infections in children from 430,000 in 2009 to 330,000 in 2011.
According to UNICEF, as of December 2011, over 100,000 more children were receiving antiretroviral treatment compared to 2010, but less than one-third of children and pregnant women are receiving the treatment they need, as opposed to the global average of 54 per cent for adults overall.
The statement signed by Communication Officer Media and External Relations UNICEF, Bauchi Field Office, Mr Samuel Kaalu, says UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake underscored the need for all to rededicate themselves to boosting the number of pregnant women and children being tested and treated through basic antenatal and child health programmes.