PasserElles aims to enhance access for children and youth to quality, gender-sensitive prevention and care services. The goal is to embed their specific needs sustainably into national policies while strengthening their leadership in the fight against HIV.
Context
In 2021, approximately 110,000 children aged 0 to 19 died from AIDS- related causes, while 310,000 others were newly infected. Although they represent only 7% of the total number of people living with HIV (PLHIV), children and teenagers account for 17% of AIDS-related deaths and 21% of new HIV infections. The vast majority (88%) of these young people live in Sub-Saharan Africa. West and Central Africa are significantly behind in preventing mother-to-child transmission, screening, and providing care for exposed children and those living with HIV.
Teenagers living with HIV have limited access to healthcare services, low treatment adherence, and a higher risk of being lost to follow-up. They also face challenges related to sexuality due to the double stigma surrounding the sexuality of young people and those living with HIV.
Description
The overall aim of PasserElles is to improve access to quality, gender-sensitive HIV prevention and care services for children, teenagers, and youth in four countries in West and Central Africa. The program’s multi-country approach has fostered regional momentum by sharing experiences to improve prevention and care practices. To achieve this, the project focuses on specific objectives:
- Ensuring the transfer of skills and approaches for HIV prevention and care at the national level;
- Strengthening youth leadership and participation in decision- making processes and HIV response actions;
- Supporting the empowerment of the Grandir Ensemble network and enhancing its role in the fight against pediatric HIV in Francophone Africa.
Impact
This project PasserElles aims to ensure the implementation of effective HIV response actions for children and teenagers. It also seeks to facilitate the transition of responsibilities from Sidaction to the Grandir Ensemble network.
