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EGPAF Today

 

Photo: Jon Hrusa/EPA

Created in 1988 from one mother’s fight to save her children, EGPAF inspired a movement that has resulted in the virtual elimination of pediatric AIDS in the U.S. and Europe. Still, in other parts of the world, pediatric AIDS rages on. Each day, 900 children worldwide become infected with HIV; 90 percent will contract the virus through mother-to-child transmission. Without diagnosis and treatment, most of these children will suffer a painful, premature death.

We can change this. We must change this.

We have the medicines and the knowledge to reduce the risk that an HIV-positive mother will transmit the virus to her baby to virtually zero; to protect virtually every child from being born with HIV; and to ensure that mothers can be healthy enough to raise their children into adulthood. In fact, as of 2011, one in five HIV-positive mothers worldwide was receiving lifesaving medications through EGPAF-supported clinics.

EGPAF uses a three-pronged strategy to implement its work around the world:

• EGPAF advances research that enhances the prevention, care, and treatment of pediatric HIV/AIDS. During her lifetime, Elizabeth Glaser advocated relentlessly for research focused on the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS in children. As it has done for more than two decades, EGPAF continues to bring together leading scientists to conduct basic, clinical, and operations research as part of our global efforts to eliminate pediatric AIDS. As of the end of 2011, EGPAF's Research team has over 20 active research projects ongoing in EGPAF-supported countries.

• EGPAF works to extend prevention of mother-to-child transmission and care and treatment services to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS. EGPAF’s dedicated staff works in close partnership with local governments around the world and with key partners to extend the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV – and to ensure that children and families affected by HIV/AIDS receive the care and support they need to lead long and healthy lives. EGPAF's Program Implementation efforts seek to extend HIV prevention, care, and treatment services to children, women, and families affected by HIV in the countries where we work. Strengthening of health systems, and integration of HIV care within maternal and child health services in particular, is critical to achieving this goal.

• EGPAF leverages its domestic and global leadership roles in public policy and advocacy to seek the eradication of pediatric HIV/AIDS. EGPAF’s Communications and Public Policy and Advocacy teams work diligently to raise awareness about the ongoing quest to eliminate pediatric AIDS around the world; brand EGPAF as a leading voice on elimination; and showcase EGPAF’s research, programmatic, and advocacy expertise. In particular, EGPAF’s Advocacy team works with national governments, policymakers, multilateral institutions, and other nongovernmental organizations to ensure women, children, and families affected by HIV/AIDS are prioritized and given a voice in the global response to the epidemic.

The end of pediatric AIDS is in sight. Now is the time to extend services. Now is the time to reach mothers who are not getting the services they need to keep themselves alive and their children HIV-free. Together, we must make a mother’s fight our fight – and create the world’s first AIDS-free generation. Join us today.