UNICEF identifies challenges in treating Aids in children

More children are getting Aids treatment but progress still needs to improve, according to UNICEF.

Figures from the UN show an estimated 2.1 million children were infected with HIV worldwide and 290,000 died last year.

In a new report by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO), four key areas have been identified to combat the challenges faced in lowering the figures in the future.

They highlight the prevention of HIV transmission from mothers to children, providing treatment, preventing infection and supporting children affected by Aids.

Kevin DeCock, director of the WHO's HIV division, said: "We are making progress but still face many challenges.

"To achieve all this, health systems and their most precious component, the health care workforce, must be strengthened."

UNICEF set goals three years ago for 2010 of stemming mother-to-children transmission of HIV and the number of women getting drugs to reduce the risk of passing the virus to their children rose 60 percent from 2005.