Today the world marks World AIDS Day. According to data from the United Nations Organization, (UN), by 2020, an estimated 38 million people were living with HIV worldwide. And 2.78 million HIV-positive people are children and adolescents up to 19 years old.

UN Secretary General António Guterres has stated that it is still possible to end the disease by 2030. Guterres, who is quoted by UN News, advocates intensive action and solidarity to achieve this. The UN's number one leader wants joint action against the disease and to build resilience to future diseases as well.

According to him, this kind of action must involve the leadership of communities to drive change by fighting stigma and eliminating discriminatory and punitive laws, policies, and practices.

Other data shared by the UN indicates that every minute a death occurs because of the disease and that there is no time to lose.

Under 15s account for 5% of all HIV-positive people, one-tenth of new infections, and 15% of AIDS-related deaths worldwide.

More than 160 thousand children were infected last year, a total that is more than eight times above the limit of 20 thousand new infections that were expected for this age group. The UN recalls that with the pandemic, several countries suffered interruptions in prevention, testing, and treatment services.

According to the news source we have been quoting, limited access to maternal and child health and follow-up care has been affected and stocks of essential supplies have been missed.

In the same year there were about 310,000 children and adolescents infected with the virus. At least 120,000 minors died of HIV-related causes.