Team PATA

PATA Background

More than 2.5 million children are living with HIV/AIDS and 90% of these children reside in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, less than 26% have access to life-saving anti-retroviral treatment (ART). The coverage rates for children are significantly less than of adults. In this region, without quality care and treatment for HIV and AIDS, four children are orphaned every minute. These factors combined significantly impact the human rights of children as inscribed in national, regional and international treaties and conventions. In addition the vulnerability of children and youth severely compromises the region's ability to attain political stability and social development for future generations.

Quality care and treatment are difficult to attain in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa due to the high burden of HIV, health worker shortages, fragmented rather than integrated, holistic service delivery, centralised programmes and weak procurement and supply systems. It is essential that there is a focus on implementing innovative best practices to ensure that quality care is delivered in a sustainable and holistic manner to children living with HIV/AIDS

PATA strives to enhance the quality of health care, holistic treatment and comprehensive support for HIV/AIDS children, their families and for communities throughout Africa. PATA teams meet annually at a conference and action-orientated workshop series called 'The PATA Forum' in order to address the challenges faces by clinics in the region.

For further details on previous PATA Conferences, read through the PATA Forum section in this website.