Penta began as a network dedicated to the treatment of paediatric HIV, establishing a long and impactful history in this field. Our activities include conducting more than 15 clinical trials and numerous observational studies involving children and pregnant individuals living with HIV. Penta also collaborates with the European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) to publish guidelines for paediatric HIV treatment, and delivers training programmes for healthcare professionals caring for pregnant individuals (women) and children living with the virus. While contributing to the search for a vaccine or cure, Penta’s work remains crucial for improving the daily lives of children and pregnant people living with HIV, and preventing the vertical transmission of the virus.
Furthermore, Penta is actively contributing to the WHO’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 by advancing diagnosis, prevention and treatment of children and adolescents, addressing the substantial burden and inequities it causes.
In addition to conducting research on viral infections in children, Penta actively participates in research projects aimed at enhancing our understanding of epidemiology and pathogenesis, as well as improving the treatment and management of fungal infections in paediatric patients.
Moreover, starting from 2020, Penta has collaborated with partners to advance the treatment and care of COVID-19, while also focusing on strengthening research preparedness for future emerging infections that could potentially affect the health of mothers and children.
Penta is engaged in several European and international initiatives to improve the prevention, management and treatment of serious bacterial infections in newborns, infants and children, especially in the context of growing antimicrobial resistance rates. We are working to define optimal antibiotic treatment and infection prevention strategies for serious bacterial infections in hospitalised children, including pneumonia and sepsis, through observational and interventional studies aimed at maximising efficacy while minimising resistance and toxicity.
In addition, Penta participates in research projects aimed at improving the evidence base for the management and prevention of severe fungal infections in neonates and children across the world.
To accomplish its mission to improve the day-to-day lives of women and children, Penta has adopted two directions:
Penta shares its Networks experience and know-how with healthcare professionals, scientists, patients and the wider public around the world. This is achieved through innovative e-learning methods together with interactive face-to-face teaching. By training the next generation of professionals at the frontline of paediatric infectious diseases and educating young people and families about HIV and sexual health, Penta continues its mission to prevent and manage infections in pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adolescence.
Through strategic partnerships, Penta is committed to advancing clinical research by contributing to the creation of permanent infrastructures for infectious disease research, and prioritising the specific needs of children and pregnant people.
Young people understand their own needs and bring a unique perspective into the planning, design and implementation of our studies. For this reason, involving young people in Penta’s work is extremely important and impactful. We do this in a meaningful and ethical way through our youth engagement projects. Read more about youth engagement and participation.