A Happy Mother's Day with HIV?  Absolutely!

Why talk about HIV on the occasion of Mother's Day?

Approximately 1.3 million women and parents living with HIV per year give birth. Access to HIV testing and treatment has improved for HIV in pregnancy, with vertical transmission rates decreasing by more than half over the last decade globally. However, we have not yet reached the goal of zero vertical transmissions.

Moreover people living with HIV still face particular challenges. Fearing HIV-related stigma and discrimination, most women and parents hide their HIV diagnosis from others to protect their children, thus having to live a double life with a heavy family secret.

Women Against Viruses in Europe (WAVE) is committed to improving the lives of women and parents living with HIV and works to eliminate HIV-related discrimination against all. Mother's Day is a fitting opportunity to raise awareness about this issue.

WAVE wishes all mothers a Happy Mother's Day!

Signed,

Yvonne Gilleece, United Kingdom, Chair

Annette Haberl, Germany, Vice-Chair

Anna Koval, Ukraine, Honorary Secretary