This article was written and originally published by Complutense University of Madrid, (El VIH pediátrico: un reto principal en el Día Mundial del SIDA)
On World AIDS Day, celebrated on December 1st, it is crucial to reflect on one of the most pressing challenges in the fight against this disease: HIV in the paediatric population. A project led by the Complutense University of Madrid aims to reduce paediatric mortality by training research leaders in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and applying technology and innovation. Despite advances in the treatment and care of adults, children living with HIV in regions like SSA face high mortality rates and limited access to effective therapies. This vulnerable group requires specific approaches that address both clinical and psychosocial needs. This day reminds us that the global response to this epidemic must include the youngest, whose future depends on sustainable and innovative strategies.
Specific challenges of paediatric HIV
Children living with HIV face significant barriers that differentiate them from adults. One of the biggest challenges is late diagnosis, which limits opportunities for early intervention. Additionally, opportunistic infections such as cytomegalovirus or prolonged respiratory infections are common in this population and increase the risk of severe complications. In many contexts, social stigma and lack of education about HIV hinder access to testing and treatment, especially in rural communities.
Leading the change
The SUPPORT project (Supporting the next generation of African researchers on preventing HIV pediatric mortality through a training network), led by the Complutense University of Madrid and funded by the EDCTP3 program (GA No. 101145811), aims to reduce paediatric HIV mortality by training new research leaders in SSA. The initiative covers five key countries: Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Senegal, selected for their high burden of paediatric infectious diseases and limited research capacity. These countries represent diverse cultural and linguistic communities, enhancing the project’s inclusivity. SUPPORT combines local capacity building with innovative tools.
Training Researchers: A key strategy
The SUPPORT program focuses on training local researchers in HIV research. It trains 13 fellows, both early-career (8 fellows) and experienced (5 fellows), through a combination of theoretical and practical training. Fellows learn essential skills like clinical trials, epidemiology, ethics, and statistics, as well as transferable skills like leadership and communication. They work on real-world projects in areas like biomarker development and AI integration in paediatric care, while also promoting diversity and inclusion in research. This approach strengthens local capacity and addresses critical HIV issues.
Innovation and technology for child health
The project explores advanced technologies to improve outcomes for children living with HIV. For example, the development of a severity biomarker to predict paediatric HIV-associated mortality, enabling faster and more effective interventions. It also evaluates artificial intelligence devices to detect respiratory failure in early stages, a breakthrough that could save lives. Furthermore, it studies how to optimise antiretroviral therapy through pharmacokinetic research, ensuring that medications are properly absorbed and processed in children’s bodies.
Long-term impact: A network of health leaders
SUPPORT aims to create a sustainable network of African researchers capable of leading public health initiatives. By empowering these professionals, the project not only addresses paediatric HIV but also strengthens health systems to face future epidemics. It fosters entrepreneurship by integrating small health-related businesses into the innovation process, promoting sustainable local solutions and contributing to regional economic development.
A Call to global action
The future of children living with HIV depends on investment in education, research, and international collaboration. Although significant progress has been made in treatment, childhood in SSA remains disproportionately affected by HIV. SUPPORT demonstrates that with a collaborative approach and a commitment to innovation, it is possible to transform the landscape of paediatric HIV. As SUPPORT coordinator Pablo Rojo states, “By training a new generation of African researchers, we are building a future where all children have the opportunity to live full and healthy lives, free from the devastating impact of HIV.”
