Today, reducing mother to child transmission has become easier, yet not enough women access life saving treatments that prevent mother to child transmission. Clearly this is a battle we are losing. Where is this commitment? Where is the leadership? Where is the money? But we cannot talk about saving children without saving their mothers. The most important thing that you can give its child is its mother. It is estimated that by 2010 in Africa alone AIDS affected orphans will account for 15 – 16 million out of the total 53 million orphans. We have the power to stop this from happening. Allowing this human catastrophe from taking place is not an option. We do this by ensuring leadership round intensifying prevention whilst committing resources securing access to treatment. It is the only way that we and our children and grandchildren can be part of the same future generation.

This session will address issues around prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Highlight the critical issues relating to children and their mothers in the context of HIV and AIDS, such as issues around advocacy, orphans and vulnerable children.

This session will also highlight the critical issues relating to children in the context of HIV and AIDS, civil society and the law, for example are children being protected by the law and how can civil society push for laws to change if need be?

Speakers :

Dorothy Akinyi : pupil at Olympic Primary School

Hon Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch: High Court Judge

Silvanna Ayaipoma de Mattos : National General Secretary, YWCA Peru

Naisiadet Mason: Senior Advisor, UNICEF

Jacqueline Mukamusana : Executive Secretary, YWCA Rwanda

Dr Lydia Mungherera : Founder of Mamas Club

Magda Murr : Member of the World Board for the World Association of girl buides and girl scouts (WAGGGS)

Faith Jere Ngoma : psychosocial support advisor for Africa Region, World Vision International