United Nations Radio

A stock-taking report on children and AIDS by four UN agencies finds that national efforts are showing results, particularly in preventing mother-to-child transmission.

Globally, 45 per cent of HIV-positive pregnant women are now receiving the treatment that prevents the virus from being passed on to their babies.

mother and child at a clinic

Treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission is now provided to 95 per cent of those in need in Botswana, 91 per cent in Namibia and 73 per cent in South Africa -- all countries with high HIV prevalence. But Jimmy Kolker, Chief of the HIV/AIDS Section of UNICEF says other countries are falling behind:

"Nigeria has now surpassed South Africa as the country with the most HIV-positive pregnant women and represents currently 30% of the unmet need for services to prevent transmission to newborns."

According to UNICEF, the situation of AIDS orphans also continues to be a cause for concern, with only 1 in 8 families caring for orphans and vulnerable children receiving external help, such as medical care, financial assistance and support for education.

Bissera Kostova, United Nations
duration: 1'11"