UNICEF – GYANT

According to the 2025 HIV estimates report published by the United Nations Children’s Fund on Thursday revealed that of the estimated 40.8 million people living with HIV worldwide in 2024, 2.42 million were children aged 0-19.

The report revealed that each day in 2024, “approximately 712 children became infected with HIV, and approximately 250 children died from AIDS-related causes, mostly due to inadequate access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.

“As of 2024, roughly 13.8 million [10.9 – 17.7 million] children under the age of 18 had lost one or both parents to AIDS-related causes. Millions more have been affected by the epidemic, through a heightened risk of poverty, homelessness, school dropout, discrimination, and loss of opportunities. These hardships include prolonged illness and death.

“Of the estimated 630,000 [490,000-820,000] people who died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2024, 90,000 [61,000-120,000] (or approximately 14 per cent) of them were children under 20 years of age.”

The global trends highlighted that in 2024, around 120,000 children aged 0-14 were newly infected with HIV, bringing the total number of children aged 0-14 living with HIV to 1,380,000, and nearly 86 per cent of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa.

“One bright spot on the global horizon is the rapid decline of approximately 62 per cent in new HIV infections among children aged 0-14 since 2010 due to stepped-up efforts to prevent vertical transmission of HIV. However, the number of new HIV infections among adolescents (aged 15-19) has declined at a slower rate of about 44 per cent.

“An estimated 90,000 [61,000-120,000] children and adolescents died from AIDS-related causes in 2024. About 73 per cent of these preventable deaths occurred among children under 10 years old.

“The number of annual AIDS-related deaths among children aged 0-14 years has declined by about 80 per cent since its peak in 2003, while the number of annual AIDS-related deaths among those aged 15-19 has only decreased by 38per cent since 2007,” it added.

The United Nations Children’s Fund, Bauchi Field Office, has renewed its commitment towards imbibing tree planting culture among the younger generation in the state.

The Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, made this known during a tree planting campaign to mark World Environment Day 2025 at the College of Education Technical Dass on Thursday.

Rafique, who stressed the importance of involving youths in environmental sustainability, noted that they are the leaders of tomorrow and needed a safe and healthy planet to inherit.

“Our land is our future. So are the generations our future. They need to be restored,” she said, emphasising the need for the youth to be actively engaged in tree planting and environmental conservation.

According to Rafique, “Climate change poses a significant threat to children and the environment, and it is essential to involve youth and communities in sustainability efforts.

“Youth are the pillars of communities and nations.

“If youths are involved, everything will go well. They are the energy of the future, and they must be well-aware, engaged, and on the right path to reach their full potential.”

She added that the UNICEF works with youths through various engagements, including WASH activities and climate change initiatives, to promote environmental sustainability and tree planting culture among young people.

Rafique further stressed the need for continuous tree planting and environmental conservation efforts, saying, “We want youth and communities to grow plants every day, and that should continue for years to come.”

Also speaking, the Chairman Dass Local Government Council, Mohammad Jibo, who acknowledged the support of UNICEF, RUWASA, and ACRESAL on the campaign.

He noted that the campaign marked a significant milestone in the community’s efforts to promote environmental conservation.

Jibo maintained his dedication to environmental conservation, saying, “We must work together to protect our environment and ensure a livable future for generations to come.

“I commend the efforts of Dass College of Education and our development partners for organising this initiative,” he concluded.

GYANT

Tag Archives: UNICEF

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