Program Implementation
In 1988, Elizabeth Glaser inspired a movement that has since resulted in the near-elimination of pediatric HIV infection in many high-income countries. Yet in many parts of the world, Elizabeth’s vision of a generation free of HIV has yet to be realized.
Each day, nearly 1,200 children worldwide become infected with HIV, 90 percent of whom will contract the virus through mother-to-child transmission. Without timely access to treatment, half of these children will die before their second birthdays.
The Foundation’s Response
Photo: James Pursey
Since 2000, the Foundation has supported expanded access to comprehensive HIV prevention, and later to HIV care and treatment services, in regions of the world deeply affected by HIV and AIDS. Our dedicated staff work in close partnership with local governments and like-minded organizations to halt the spread of the virus, especially among children, and to ensure those living with HIV receive the care and support they need to live long and healthy lives.
The Foundation’s program implementation efforts seek to extend HIV prevention, care, and treatment services to at least 80 percent of children, women, and families affected by HIV in the countries where we work. Strengthening of health systems, and integration of HIV care within maternal and child health services in particular, is critical to achieving this goal. Key programmatic areas that the Foundation supports include:
In addition to these core programmatic areas, the Foundation works to address a number of cross-cutting issues within national health systems to strengthen overall service delivery and ensure optimal health outcomes. These include:
- Quality assurance and quality improvement
- Community engagement
- Adherence and retention in HIV prevention, care, and treatment services
- Integration of HIV services into primary care services
- Human resource strengthening
- Program management and financing
Our programs in action: