Announced by President Félix Tshisekedi during a government conference in Lualaba province, the Presidential Initiative to End Pediatric AIDS aims to transform HIV prevention and treatment services for children, adolescents, and pregnant women.

Backed by an initial $18 million in national funding, the five-year plan will focus on strengthening healthcare systems, improving early diagnosis, and expanding access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapies.

“Our country can no longer tolerate children being born and growing up with HIV, when tools exist to prevent, detect and effectively treat this infection,” Tshisekedi said during the launch, calling the initiative a critical step toward fulfilling the country's health commitments.

The United Nations has welcomed the move, describing it as a “beacon of hope” in a global environment where HIV funding remains under strain. The initiative is closely aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which calls for ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

Despite significant progress in the national adult HIV response, with over 90 per cent of adults living with HIV in the DRC currently accessing antiretroviral treatment, children have been left behind. Health officials note that paediatric access to treatment remains alarmingly low due to a combination of stigma, limited testing in infants, and fragmented service delivery.

--UN/ChannelAfrica--