Thank you to everyone who took action, calling on the Government to contribute enough money to the Global Fund to help stop babies being born with HIV by 2015. More than 1,100 people took our action, and we handed the signatures over to the Government ahead of its decision on the Global Fund commitment to Stephen O’Brien MP, International Development Minister. The Government has agreed to increase the amount of money it gives to the Global Fund but it hasn’t yet announced how much it will give. Check back here for an update on the campaign's progress.
Malekena, 22, and her baby daughter Mankhube, 3 months, who was born free from HIV.
© UNICEF Lesotho/2010
Each year around 370,000 children are born with HIV. The virus is passed on during pregnancy or childbirth. Malekena (above) is 22 and from Lesotho. When she was heavily pregnant she trekked for over five hours to reach the nearest clinic, where she discovered she was HIV-positive. Thanks to her brave trip to the clinic Malekena could have the necessary treatment to help make sure her baby was born free from HIV.
"I am proud of my beautiful baby girl, I want her to grow strong and healthy and maybe become a nurse one day, so she can also help other people" says Malekena.
In countries like Lesotho UNICEF works with the government and the Global Fund to make sure women like Malekena receive the medicines they need to help their babies be free from HIV.