Public Policy and Advocacy
Elizabeth Glaser made her first trip to Washington in 1988, when she met with President and Mrs. Reagan, representatives at NIH, and members of Congress to advocate for treatment for her children and other children infected with HIV.
Today, we continue fighting for an AIDS-free generation. EGPAF’s advocacy efforts seek to drive global and local focus, support, leadership, and resources needed to end HIV/AIDS in children, adolescents, and families.
Our Advocacy Priorities
EGPAF was founded out of a mother’s determination. We continue this fight today by advocating on issues impacting the wellbeing of mothers, children, and families living with and affected by HIV.
Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV
EGPAF advocates to eliminate mother to child transmission of both globally and in the United States. We work to create the most enabling social, political, and economic environment at the global, regional, and national level to achieve an AIDS-free generation.
Pediatric HIV Treatment Access
Only half of children living with HIV have access to life-saving treatment, and many of those are on less effective treatment regimens. Through partnerships with international organizations, country governments, donors, pharmaceutical manufacturers and regulatory networks, EGPAF works to drive global commitment to improving pediatric treatment access and quality.
Childhood Tuberculosis
EGPAF advocates for policies and regulations to improve childhood TB screening, treatment, and prevention. By engaging in technical working groups, building capacity of local organizations, and pushing for strong global commitments and legislation, EGPAF works to defeat childhood TB.
Better Medicines for Mothers and Children
Innovation in research and development is essential for ending AIDS and tuberculosis. However, historically children and pregnant women have often been underrepresented in that research. EGPAF pushes for greater inclusion of these populations in studies to ensure they have access to the most effective treatments.
Adolescents and Youth
We advocate on a number of policies impacting the lives of adolescents with and at risk of HIV, including sexual health and reproductive rights, access to psychosocial support, tailored prevention services, and the age of consent for HIV testing.
Pandemic Response
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, EGPAF has fought to make sure that frontline health workers are adequately protected, vaccines are equitably distributed, and that existing health services, such as those for HIV and TB, are maintained.
How We Advocate
We drive change using diverse approaches to influence attitudes, actions, policies, and laws.
Funding the AIDS Response
EGPAF advocates to the U.S. Congress and Presidential Administration for a strong bi-lateral global HIV/AIDS response through PEPFAR, USAID and CDC, as well as multilateral commitments through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. EGPAF also engages with major donors like The Global Fund and PEPFAR to increase prioritization of pediatric HIV prevention, treatment, and support in their funding allocations.
Leveraging International Mechanisms
We fight to ensure that women and children are not forgotten in key political declarations and commitments by advocating for strong language and ambitious pediatric targets. We routinely engage with the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board to highlight the importance of prioritizing kids in the global HIV/AIDS response.
Engaging with African Leadership
EGPAF works with partners on the African continent, including the African Union and regional economic communities, to advance policies related to children and adolescents living with HIV and TB. EGPAF and the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) collaborate to enhance national and continental action on children, adolescents, and young women living with and affected by HIV, as well as sexual reproductive health. Engaging these policy makers helps to drive our mission across regional platforms.
Partnering with Civil Society Organizations
The Public Policy and Advocacy team works in partnership with civil society organizations to advocate globally, nationally and at community levels. EGPAF strengthens civil society advocacy through capacity building and supporting systematic advocacy planning and implementation. We work directly with civil society organizations as well as through coalitions to influence policy formulation.
Shaping HIV and Health Policies
EGPAF works with policy makers to shape HIV and health legislation and regulations. By translating EGPAF’s programmatic evidence and expertise into policy recommendations, the Public Policy and Advocacy team catalyzes lasting change at the global, regional, and national level.
Protecting Progress in the United States
Since our inception in 1988, there has been a 95% decline in new pediatric HIV infections in the United States. However, we must stay vigilant. EGPAF advocates for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to ensure that new infections in children remain low and that pregnant women and children infected with HIV have access to the critical services and medicines they need to survive and thrive.
Raise Your Voice
Let your members of Congress know that global health is a priority. Your voice matters!
