“Vertical Challenge,” Chip Lyons’ POZ Interview

Chip Lyons, president and CEO of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is featured in the January 2015 edition of POZ, discussing the incredible progress that has been made toward eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

In the interview, Lyons points out that many countries are close to meeting the global goal of virtually eliminating pediatric AIDS by the end of this year. He also praises the 2014 Accelerating Children’s HIV/AIDS Treatment (ACT) Initiative, which will improve treatment for many children living with HIV.

In terms of priorities, Lyons identifies improved testing and treatment of children living with HIV as being close to the top of the list:

“Only about 25 percent of kids are identified, tested, counseled, and initiated on treatment. For an HIV-positive child, mortality rates are around 50 percent by age 2 and 80 percent by age 5. If those kids aren’t on treatment, the consequences are truly grave.

“We also need the most effective and sustainable supply of pediatric medicines, which have to be formulated properly for kids.”

Read the full interview in the January 2015 edition of POZ.