PATA 2023 Summit Report

The PATA 2023 Summit surpassed conventional conference models by employing PATA’s distinctive Linking and Learning approach, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. This hybrid model integrates virtual and in-person participation, bringing together hundreds of participants from 33 countries. The summit aimed to support HIV prevention, optimal treatment, care, and support for all children and adolescents affected by HIV across Africa.

It sought to position frontline health providers as key partners in ending AIDS in children and adolescents by 2030. The event highlighted frontline health provider priorities and experiences, built capacity, and strengthened clinic-community collaboration. The summit offered a reality check against global and national commitments, providing a platform to share and discuss progress, everyday challenges, lessons, and real-world local solutions.

The event saw 1775 participants attending virtually and in person from 33 countries through a virtual online hub and connected remotely through in-person attendance at one of the 22 in-country satellites across Africa. This global gathering provided a platform for healthcare providers to exchange experiences and models, promoting dialogues and peer-to-peer learning among healthcare providers, community partners, networks of YPLHIV, and policy representatives to enhance paediatric and adolescent HIV treatment and service delivery in sub-Saharan Africa.

During the Summit, two workshops played a pivotal role in addressing local challenges faced by healthcare providers, peer supporters, and in-country partners. The workshops facilitated in-depth discussions and capacity-building exercises.

In the afternoon of day 1, the PATA 2023 Summit introduced the sequel to the impactful Face of Care workshop held during the 2022 Summit. Titled “The Face of Care II,” this workshop aimed to delve deeper into the contextual realities of frontline healthcare providers in the paediatric and adolescent response. It built on experiences and challenges while exploring resilience-promoting factors and the constituents of an enabling environment for frontline healthcare providers.

On day 2 of the Summit, the workshop was titled “Disclosure: Improving Adherence and Enhancing Wellbeing,” focusing on the importance of disclosure. This aligned with the day’s overarching theme—Comprehensive Package of Care and Service Integration, accelerating progress against the 4th 90 for children and adolescents. Emphasizing the critical link between disclosure and the 4th 90, research highlights its role in increasing adherence and ensuring the overall health of children and adolescents affected by HIV.

Read more about the workshop in the summit report or download the workshop resources and activities below.