At the 78th World Health Assembly UNAIDS is calling for urgent action to avoid millions of avoidable HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.

As the world faces an unprecedented international funding crisis affecting global health security, UNAIDS is calling on governments and partners attending the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) to urgently recommit to ending AIDS by 2030. UNAIDS is warning that without immediate action to dismantle barriers to healthcare, strengthen community-led responses, and unlock sustainable financing, decades of progress could be reversed and millions of lives put at risk. 

The theme of the 78th World Health Assembly is One World For Health.

During the week, UNAIDS will be advocating for continued global solidarity and sustained political and financial commitment for the global HIV response as part of broader efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This includes the need to scale up HIV services, including access to long acting injectables for HIV prevention which are almost 100% effective at preventing infections and could help countries move towards a sustainable HIV response.

UNAIDS will also be pushing for equitable, inclusive and rights-based approaches to pandemic preparedness and response, supported by lessons learned from the gains made against HIV. This means ensuring equal access to medical innovations and the centrality of community systems, data equity, access to innovations and the protection of human rights.

UNAIDS KEY EVENTS AT #WHA78

Wednesday 21 May - 08:30 – 10:00 CET

Ending inequalities in pandemic responses - The pandemic agreement and beyond  

The Pandemic Agreement is a significant step forward in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, based on the principles of equity and the full respect for the dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons. The panel will discuss how to ensure that those principles are adhered to as the Agreement is put into practice.

Panel members:

• Precious Matsoso, Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Agreement
• Nísia Trindade, former Minister of Health, Brazil
• Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director

Venue: Kofi Annan room - UNAIDS/WHO D Building
*WHA delegates can use their WHA accreditation badge to enter the UNAIDS building. Other attendees must register in advance here

To follow online click here

Wednesday 21 May - 18:30 – 21:00 CET

“A new era of HIV prevention; Accelerating access to long-acting prevention options through sustainable prevention systems and financing”  

This High-Level Dialogue organized by the Global HIV Prevention Coalition and co-hosted by UNAIDS in collaboration with UNFPA, WHO and UNDP, the Federal Republic of Brazil and Kingdom of the Netherlands aims to galvanize political leadership, financing, and coordinated action to drive a transformational HIV prevention push. The meeting will serve as a platform for Ministers of Health, global health partners, pharmaceutical companies, and civil society to explore opportunities to expand access to new long-acting prevention technologies as a powerful addition to existing effective options. 

Join UNAIDS leadership, representatives of UN partners and global health stakeholders as they discuss these issues with Ministers of Health, community representatives and leaders of pharmaceutical companies developing long-acting prevention options.

Venue: Kofi Annan room - UNAIDS/WHO D Building
Watch the livestream here

Thursday 22 May - 08:30 – 10:30 CET

The future of domestic health financing is now: Africa’s pathway for sustainable health systems   

The panel discussion will explore how best to achieve financial sustainability of the health sector from different perspectives. Topics would include raising more money through innovative means, improving efficiency, strengthening planning and coordination, public-private partnerships as well as discussing the roles of different actors, including donor partners, and the institutional reforms necessary for success.

Co-organised by the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare of Nigeria, the Global Fund, WHO, UNAIDS and other partners

Venue: Ballroom AE, INTERCONTINENTAL GENEVE

Thursday 22 May - 18:30 – 20:30 CET

Communities at the heart of global health and health security: Why sustained funding for community-led health systems matters now more than ever.

Co-organised by UNAIDS, Coalition PLUS, Frontline AIDS and WHO, this event will bring together Ministers of Health, civil society leaders, donors, and global health institutions to explore sustainable solutions to safeguard and scale up community-led health systems amid global crises and decreasing aid.

Venue: Kofi Annan room - UNAIDS/WHO D Building 

To attend in person, please register here
To attend online, please register here