HIV/AIDs Awareness Month: What About the Kids?
December is HIV/AIDs Awareness Month.1 This month, we reflect on the global HIV/AIDs epidemic, the ongoing efforts to combat it, and how we can be intentional about our advocacy.
While HIV/AIDs awareness campaigns have created significant impact since the first World HIV/AIDs Day on December 1st, 1988, there is still much to do to support the various communities within the broader HIV/AIDs community today, especially the pediatric and adolescent population.2
HIV and AIDs are often discussed in the context of adults, but HIV is meaningfully prevalent among children, and it’s critical we focus on developing discourse around pediatric and adolescent HIV to ensure every child and young adult affected by the virus is supported, seen, and given access to the care they deserve.
Children and adolescents living with HIV face a unique set of obstacles. Not only do they require access to life-saving antiretroviral medications, but they also need ongoing care to manage the disease in the context of their emotional and social development as burgeoning young folk.3 This makes them one of the most complex and consequential groups in need of our advocacy and support.
Pediatric HIV/AIDs: Show Me The Stats!
Around the world, nearly 1.4 million children under 15 live with HIV, with nearly 120,000 new cases reported in 2023.4
In the U.S., approximately 7,100 individuals aged 0-24 were diagnosed with HIV infections in 2022.5 Despite national improvements in prevention and treatment, children and adolescents still face barriers to care, and many continue to be subject to stigma and lack of access to adequate healthcare.6
While pediatric and adolescent HIV/AIDs incidence has decreased in recent years, the non-zero data highlights a continued need for support of children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDs as we work toward eliminating the disease. So, how can we turn this sense of mission into action?
Taking Action: What Can I Do To Be An Advocate This Month?
Looking to do something about pediatric HIV/AIDs? Here are a few simple, yet powerful actions you can take during the month of December (and all year round) to support children living with HIV:
- Donate to Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago: One of the most impactful ways to directly contribute to the cause is by supporting the work of Lurie Children’s Hospital, an institution that provides essential care and support for children and adolescents living with HIV and their families.
- Share the Word On Your Socials: Social media is a powerful tool. Use your platform and networks to share information about pediatric HIV, including stats, stories, and challenges that children living with HIV face. A simple post can go a long way in breaking down misconceptions and reducing stigma.
- Show Up: The Junior Council of Lurie Children’s Hospital hosts events every month to raise donations for pediatric HIV/AIDs care. Click here for a link to the upcoming JC event calendar and consider becoming an official member.
- Open Conversations: The most accessible tool you have to combat HIV-related stigma and spread awareness is your voice. Be a resource for information, ask questions, and challenge misinformation. Lead by example and encourage others to engage in open-minded discussions about HIV.
Your involvement could directly impact the lives of children who are living with HIV right now, giving them access to the care and resources they need to thrive.
By focusing on pediatric HIV, we ensure that every child and young adult, regardless of their background or diagnosis, has the chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Share this post with your friends to spread awareness this December during HIV/AIDs Awareness month.
Sources:
1https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/December-is-HIV-AIDS-Awareness-Month.aspx
2https://www.hiv.gov/events/awareness-days/world-aids-day