About us

Working together for vulnerable children
The Regional Inter-agency Task Team on Children and AIDS in Eastern and Southern Africa (RIATT-ESA) is more than just a network—it is a powerful, multi-sectoral alliance dedicated to securing a brighter, healthier future for children and families affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

Our journey began in 2006, born from the recommendations of the Global Partners Forum. In response to the urgent need for a coordinated, regional approach, we were established as a unique partnership bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders: regional political and economic bodies, civil society organizations, academia, donors, and United Nations agencies.

This unique partnership is our greatest strength. By working together, we amplify our collective voice and leverage shared knowledge to influence global, regional, and national policy. We are not just advocates; we are a force for change, ensuring that children remain a central priority on the HIV agenda.

Through strategic advocacy, robust knowledge management, and collaborative action, we focus on three priority areas to improve the care, support, and well-being of the most vulnerable children and adolescents in the Eastern and Southern Africa region. Our work is a testament to the belief that by joining forces, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation.
Creating change for children

The momentum that drives RIATT-ESA today was ignited by the landmark 2008 Dar Conference. This pivotal event was convened to renew the commitment to the 2001 UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) Declaration, specifically to address the unfinished business of the epidemic's impact on children.This child-centered approach ensures that our core priorities, which remain as relevant today as they were then, are grounded in the lived realities of those we serve.

From this historic conference, we formalized our mission around four critical pillars:

Keeping Families Strong: We work to ensure that parents and children living with HIV not only survive but thrive, with access to continuous care and support.

Empowering Communities: We strengthen families and communities as the primary units for HIV prevention, care, and support, recognizing their vital role in building resilience.

Driving Impact: We advocate for the increased effectiveness of programs, services, and funding to ensure every resource reaches those who need it most.

Upholding Human Rights: We champion the fundamental human rights of vulnerable children, fighting against stigma and discrimination to create a just and equitable environment for all.

How we work: Our Strategy in Action

At RIATT-ESA, our work is driven by a commitment to strategic, collaborative action. We leverage our unique position as a regional network to create a lasting impact for children and families.

Shaping Policy through Unified Action: We coordinate and harmonize policy across the region using advocacy and knowledge management. We ensure the voices of vulnerable children and their families are heard at every level of policy making.

Driving Change with Evidence: We champion evidence-based practices by adding value to research and documentation. Our regional knowledge management advocates for promising practices that are proven to work.

Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: We create platforms for partners to meet and share information at conferences and key meetings. This promotes the development and sharing of technical and programming information across the network.

Building Bridges for Impact: We connect with partners at the country level, linking them to global and African-level processes. This ensures local insights inform global strategies and that critical support reaches those who need it most.