Reflections from #INTEREST2025

PATA was proud to join the 2025 INTEREST Conference in Windhoek, Namibia—a space where frontline healthcare provider voices, researchers, and programme leaders came together to share solutions for Africa’s HIV response. Representing PATA, Yasteel Maharaj contributed to discussions highlighting the importance of integrated, sustainable, and community-led HIV responses across the region. 

With the recent wave of foreign aid cuts, many health facilities are scaling back or closing entirely. But behind every funding cut is someone—a young mother, a baby, a healthcare provider trying to do their job. As one recipient of care put it, “Behind every funding cut is a person.”  This underscores the reality that statistics represent individual lives—each one deeply affected by policy decisions. 

Sustained investment must recognise the humanity behind the data. Now more than ever, we need to double down on what we know works: data-driven, community-led, and youth-informed HIV responses.

Throughout the event, one message rang clear: we cannot afford to continue with business as usual. And when it comes to ending AIDS by 2030, we simply won’t get there without investing in maternal and child health. Prevention of vertical transmission—of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B—must remain a top priority. 

“2030 targets will not be reachable without interrupting maternal-to-child transmission in the African region.” – Ivy Kasiyire 

Triple elimination isn’t just a technical goal—it’s a commitment to ensuring that no baby is born with a preventable infection, and no mother is left behind. 

Frontline healthcare providers are at the centre of PATA strategy—the vital link between communities and the health system, and the trusted face of care for children, adolescents and care givers affected by HIV. By supporting healthcare providers and engaging communities, we move closer to a future where no child, adolescent, or caregiver is left behind.