The Foundation Today
Photo: Jon Hrusa/EPA |
Elizabeth Glaser lost her life in 1994.
(Read Elizabeth's story.) But today — because of the highly successful work of the Foundation and its partners — pediatric AIDS has been virtually eliminated in the United States.
We’ve also made remarkable strides throughout the world: nearly half of HIV-positive pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries now receive medicines to help prevent transmission of HIV to their babies — triple the percentage from just three years earlier. One in four of those women receive their medicines through Foundation-supported programs.
Yet despite our progress, nearly 1,200 children are still infected with HIV every day because their mothers don’t have access to the medicines they need to prevent transmission of the virus. We can — and must — change this.
The Foundation uses a three-pronged strategy to implement our work around the world:
Research: The Foundation’s leadership in pediatric HIV and AIDS research over the last 20 years has resulted in major scientific advances, which are chiefly responsible for HIV-infected children in the United States leading longer, healthier lives. Foundation-supported research efforts around the world seek to improve the prevention, care, and treatment of pediatric HIV infection, train international research leaders to respond to the virus in children, and pursue the development of a pediatric HIV vaccine.
Lifesaving Programs: The Foundation’s work has closely followed the path of the HIV and AIDS pandemic to sub-Saharan Africa, China, India, and elsewhere, responding to the urgent need for implementation of lifesaving programs. The Foundation works with partners to provide accessible prevention, care, and treatment services for children, women, and families; researching and identifying better technologies and interventions for those in need; and documenting models that can be replicated throughout the world.
Public Policy and Global Advocacy: Elizabeth Glaser was a pioneer in fighting for the rights of children living with HIV, who were forgotten in the early days of the pandemic. Through work with policymakers, infected children and families, the scientific community, business leaders, and the media, the Foundation has built upon Elizabeth’s legacy by expanding funding for pediatric research; improving safety, efficacy, and availability of drugs for children with AIDS; and fighting to prevent discrimination against people living with HIV. Today, the Foundation continues to be a strong global voice on behalf of children, both to the U.S. government and international organizations and governments.
Before the Foundation’s inception, children living with HIV and AIDS had no voice. Today, thanks to Elizabeth’s vision and the support of generous donors and partners, we are able to improve the lives of millions of children around the world every year.
But our work is far from over.
We have the science. We have the medicine. We can eliminate pediatric AIDS. Help us to reach this next generation of mothers and children who need our help the most.
Photo: James Pursey
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