Established in 1994 by a resolution of the UN Economic and Social Council and launched in January 1996, UNAIDS is guided by a Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) with representatives of 22 governments from all geographic regions, the UNAIDS Cosponsors, and five representatives of nongovernmental organisations, including associations of people living with HIV. 

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), USAID and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) prepared a statement on behalf of the Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations Network (GAP-f), which was delivered by Rhoda Igweta of EGPAF at the 55th UNAIDS PCB taking place from 10-12 December.

Agenda item – 9 > Thematic Segment: Addressing inequalities in children and adolescents to End AIDS by 2030

Statement as submitted, delivered by Rhoda Igweta of EGPAF on behalf of the GAP-f network.

Despite significant progress in scaling up HIV services for children, the treatment gap remains a pressing concern. Children face lower rates of viral suppression than adults, leading to disproportionately high mortality and morbidity.

Addressing delays in developing and introducing optimal formulations for children is critical.

The partners of the Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations (GAP-f), a WHO- hosted network, are committed to closing this gap by collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders across the drug life cycle. The timely transition to optimal formulations, namely paediatric ALD, a fixed-dose, child-friendly regimen in a single dispersible tablet and darunavir/ritonavir oral tablets, is essential to provide children with the best possible treatment and improve adherence.

To accelerate and sustain the introduction and rollout of paediatric ALD and prepare for the introduction of darunavir/ritonavir as a second-line option for eligible children living with HIV, GAP-f has established a dedicated task team. This forum contributes to coordination efforts among donors, implementing partners, pooled procurement agencies, civil society, technical agencies, and other global health partners to support governments in addressing the paediatric treatment gap.

This month marks a breakthrough as a generic manufacturer received USFDA tentative approval for paediatric ALD, bringing the total to four SRA-approved or prequalified MPP-licensed generic manufacturers. This milestone is particularly significant given the persistent challenges with the supply of paediatric HIV products.

If we are to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, we cannot afford to fail children and adolescents. We can build on this experience to accelerate the introduction of other essential treatments for children and use this platform to achieve better health outcomes.

Every delay in diagnosis and treatment is a missed opportunity to save lives and reduce inequalities.