Real influencers: Faith leaders find ‘hidden’ children living with HIV

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Fight Against Pediatric HIV

According to a new report released by UNAIDS, every hour, 11 children die of AIDS, highlighting the urgent need to find and offer treatment to these vulnerable individuals. While three quarters of adults living with HIV are receiving treatment, only half of children are receiving the necessary care.

The Global Challenge

There are still 1.7 million children worldwide living with HIV, and they face significant vulnerability. Stuart Kean, author of the Compendium of Promising Practices on the Role of African Faith Community Interventions to End Paediatric and Adolescent HIV, emphasized the urgency in finding these hidden children. He stated that if children are born with HIV, 50% of them will die by the age of two. If they are not found and put on treatment, 80% of them will die by the age of five.

Promising Practices

The new compendium highlights 41 promising practices that demonstrate the vital role of faith communities in reaching and supporting children living with HIV. These practices include identifying undiagnosed children, improving continuity of treatment, providing psychosocial support, and empowering children and adolescents through peer support groups.

Case Study: Zambia

In Zambia, faith leaders have played a crucial role in reaching those who were not receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART). Through a community-outreach model implemented in Lusaka in 2018, faith leaders have reached 60,000 people across the country. They have acted as a bridge between the community and health services, making them influential advocates for change.

Tackling Stigma and Discrimination

Contrary to popular misconceptions, faith leaders are actively working to tackle the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with HIV. They advocate for abstinence and prevention methods, including condom use. In addition, they direct congregants to community health posts, where free services, from condoms to on-site treatment, are provided.

Case Study: Nigeria

In Nigeria, the Catholic Caritas Foundation has implemented a “congregational approach” to HIV testing and support. Pregnant congregants receive baby shower baskets that include information on HIV testing and support services. This approach has already reached thousands of individuals, resulting in increased testing rates and identification of new HIV-positive children.

Community Action in Eswatini

The faith-based organization Shiselweni Home Based Care in Eswatini has launched an intervention involving community members visiting individuals who may be living with HIV. They refer them to testing facilities and provide support to start and adhere to ART medication. This approach has led to a significant decline in client mortality.

The Global Response

Despite the progress made by faith communities, the global response to end AIDS in children remains inadequate. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima and US Global AIDS Coordinator John Nkengasong emphasized the effectiveness of faith communities in addressing the challenge of HIV in children. They also highlighted the importance of caring, compassion, and love in embracing the most vulnerable and excluded individuals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
   • Indicator 3.3.2: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations.
   • Indicator 3.3.3: Number of new HIV infections among children aged 0-14 years.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
   • Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

• Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
• Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 3.3.2: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations.
• Indicator 3.3.3: Number of new HIV infections among children aged 0-14 years.
• Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.

The article mentions the number of children living with HIV, the need for treatment and support for children with HIV, and the role of faith communities in reaching those most in need. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards ending the epidemics of AIDS and reducing inequalities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: news.un.org

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