Launched in 2020, the Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations Network (GAP-f) is a WHO-led initiative hosted within the Research for Health Department of the Science Division. It was established in response to the persistent and unacceptable gap in paediatric HIV treatment. GAP-f brings together global partners to advance best practices in clinical research and accelerate the development and uptake of optimal, child-friendly antiretroviral (ARV) formulations

Children continue to be left behind in the HIV response. Fewer than 60% of children living with HIV are on treatment, and access to age-appropriate formulations remains a critical barrier.

At GAP-f, children are at the centre. While progress has been made—with six million fewer children under five dying in 2016 than in 1990—many still lack access to the right HIV medicines. Urgent action is needed to ensure that all children, everywhere, receive appropriate, effective, and accessible paediatric HIV formulations.

GAP-f builds on lessons learned from the HIV response, formalising a sustainable model to fast-track the development and rollout of safer, more durable treatments for children—contributing to the global goal of Universal Health Coverage by 2030.