Children and young women in eastern and southern Africa are key to meeting 2030 HIV targets: time to accelerate action

The research paper emphasizes the critical role of children and young women in eastern and southern Africa in achieving the 2030 HIV targets. Despite ongoing efforts, new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in these demographics persist at alarming rates, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper highlights the unique needs of different populations, including children, adolescent girls, young women, young mothers with HIV, and female sex workers, in reaching the UNAIDS 2025 targets. Urgent action is needed to enhance and expand HIV prevention and treatment programs, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health services for the specified groups. The paper underscores the importance of accelerating efforts to overcome existing impediments and ensure progress towards ending AIDS by 2030.