GENEVA, 22 September 2025—Prominent global HIV advocates are joining forces in a new short film to call on governments and donors to sustain life-saving investments to end AIDS. They warn that hard-won progress against HIV is at risk of being reversed due to sudden and drastic funding cuts by donors.

The impact of the funding cuts is already being felt in countries with high burdens of HIV, including Eswatini, Mozambique, and South Africa, which are now facing shortages of community health workers and data collectors. UNAIDS has warned that if funding is not fully restored, as many as 6 million people could become newly infected with HIV and 4 million people could die from AIDS-related deaths between 2025 and 2029.

The film will premiere at the United Nations General Assembly on 22 September, showing world leaders the devastating impact of recent funding cuts and urging them to recommit to ending AIDS by 2030.

Produced by acclaimed Hollywood writer and producer Ron Nyswaner, the film features high-profile advocates in the global fight against HIV, including Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Charlize Theron, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and actress Thuso Mbedu. Together they highlight the need for global solidarity and sustained support to end AIDS. It also includes Fabian Quezada, a Mexican-born HIV activist and Andiswa Cindi, a 22-year-old South African social media influencer who uses Tiktok to create awareness about HIV.

“The global HIV response has saved millions of lives for over two decades, bringing countries together in international solidarity to end the AIDS crisis,” said Mr. Nyswaner. “We hope the film captures that success while serving as a call to action for continued funding for this essential work.”

Mr Nyswaner’s deep connection to HIV was demonstrated in the 1993 film Philadelphia, that earned Tom Hanks an Oscar for his portrayal of a young lawyer fighting HIV discrimination. Mr Nyswaner continued this work in the acclaimed 2023 television series, Fellow Travelers, that brought the story of the AIDS crisis to a new generation.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who features prominently in the film, has long championed global efforts to end AIDS, supporting initiatives in countries including Botswana and Lesotho. "Right now, babies are being born with HIV due to interruptions in antiretroviral treatment for their mothers. Without urgent action to reverse these crippling funding cuts, 6 million more people will become infected with HIV while 4 million will die from AIDS-related causes within the next four years,” he said. “It is not just the at-risk communities that will be affected. We've proven that sustained investment saves lives and builds stronger communities. Abandoning this life-saving work now would be a devastating betrayal of progress for the millions who depend on these essential services."

Academy Award-winning actress and philanthropist Charlize Theron and HIV advocate and basketball legend and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises Earvin “Magic” Johnson are not new to global HIV campaigns. Ms Theron is a longstanding leader in advocating for young people and tackling the systemic inequalities that drive HIV infections among young women and girls through founding the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), while Mr Johnson has lived openly with HIV for many years, helping to fight the stigma against the disease.

The film also highlights recent scientific innovations which could save lives, alluding to the groundbreaking new medicine lenacapavir, which is almost 100% effective in preventing HIV with injections just twice a year which could be a game-changer in stopping new HIV infections if it is made available and affordable to all in need.

"The end of AIDS is not a distant dream—it is within our grasp, built on decades of relentless activism, advocacy, and shared commitment. From groundbreaking treatments to global solidarity, we’ve built a path to epidemic control,” said Ms Theron. “And now, as world leaders gather at the United Nations General Assembly, we have the power to finish what we’ve started. The time to end AIDS is now, and we must have the courage to see it through."

South African Hollywood actress, Thuso Mbedu, has been working with UNAIDS, encouraging world leaders to embrace human rights in the global HIV response and working with the Elton John AIDS Foundation to shine a light on critical lifesaving HIV work. “Ending AIDS requires collective action and support of humanity to ensure that no one who needs the lifesaving antiretroviral treatment in Uganda or Mozambique is left behind, she said. “World leaders must continue to invest in the global HIV response to save lives.”

The global HIV response has been transformative. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa the roll out of medicine to treat HIV, among other advances, has led to a rebound in life expectancy from 56.5 years in 2010 to 62.3 years in 2024. New HIV infections have been brought down by 40%, while AIDS-related deaths decreased by 56% since 2010.

The film highlights that no single country can end AIDS alone, and that the world must stand together in global solidarity to end AIDS.

Please click here to donate to UNAIDS.

For broadcasters: Please click here to download the film (Courtesy of UNAIDS and Ron Nyswaner)

NOTE TO EDITORS: The film was made possible through the generous contributions of Mr. Nyswaner and the film colleagues he brought on board, including cinematographer Jonathon Narducci, Otto Senault, Frits De Jong and editor Eric Martin, and Johannesburg-based agency Lobengula Advertising contributing their valuable time and resources to bring it to life. Paul Leonard Morgan kindly donated the soundtrack Touch of Sanity to the film. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and the Archewell Foundation and Thuso Mbedu generously gave their time while Charlize Theron and Magic “Earvin” Johnson contributed to the success of the film, both personally and through their foundations The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) and the Magic Johnson Foundation respectively. The film is a product of collaboration that transcends different countries, including both filming and production, in South Africa, United States of America and the United Kingdom.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

The United States has launched a new ‘America First Global Health Strategy’ which sets out a new and tailored focus for PEPFAR, working closely with countries most affected by HIV

GENEVA, 18 September 2025—UNAIDS welcomes reaffirmed leadership from the United States in the AIDS response and its continued commitment to saving lives through the United States President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). In its new strategy, released today, the US is placing emphasis on global HIV targets, country partnerships and resilient and durable health systems. It stresses that national self-reliance is critical to achieving and sustaining the shared global objective of ending AIDS as a public health threat.

The new strategy highlights several of UNAIDS’ global HIV targets as key benchmarks for US foreign health assistance, including:

• Ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV are aware of their HIV status, 95% of those who know their status are receiving lifesaving HIV treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression
• Achieving a 90% reduction in new HIV infections by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels)
• Achieving a 90% reduction in AIDS-related deaths by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels)
• Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV in high-burden countries

This timely initiative underscores the continued support of the American people and the US Government in the historic effort to end AIDS—one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. By prioritizing results-driven targets like the UNAIDS 95-95-95 and 90% reduction in new infections by 2030, the US Government will help save millions more lives and accelerate progress to end AIDS.

UNAIDS remains firmly committed to advance and strengthen its long-standing, strategic partnership with the US Government and will continue to work hand-in-hand with PEPFAR to support countries to sustain durable, country-led HIV responses. UNAIDS will work closely together with the US Government in this historic effort to end AIDS—one that saves lives, strengthens global partnerships, makes the world safer and stronger, and brings us all closer to a world without AIDS.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

GENEVA, 5 September 2025—UNAIDS welcomes the announcement by the US State Department that the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) will be supporting an initiative by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria to provide lenacapavir to up to 2 million people in countries with high burdens of HIV.

Lenacapavir, an American-based innovation, is one of the most promising new HIV prevention tools that has emerged in the HIV response, offering protection against HIV with just twice-yearly injections. The breakthrough medicine will save thousands of lives if made widely available for all people and populations at risk of HIV including young women and adolescent girls as well as sex workers, people who inject drugs, and men who have sex with men in high burden countries and geographies.

"This deal offers hope that many more people around the world who are at risk of HIV will have access to this revolutionary HIV medicine. More global work will be needed to increase scale and rapidly make lenacapavir available, affordable and accessible in all low and middle-income countries. But at this critical moment, the United States’ backing of this breakthrough medicine is an important signal to the world that by investing in the HIV response we can stop new infections,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS.

An initial roll-out of 2 million is an important start toward a broader ambition and i t is important that lenacapavir be available to all people in need, not only to some. UNAIDS estimates that 20 million people will need to be reached with antiretroviral-based prevention such as lenacapavir as part of efforts to achieve the 2030 global HIV prevention targets. UNAIDS also estimates that for every US$ 1 invested in HIV prevention, US$ 7 will be saved in treatment and care costs later.

The price for lenacapavir in France, Norway, Spain and the United States in late 2024 exceeded US$ 28 000 per person per year. For this initiative, manufacturer Gilead has pledged to supply the medicine at no profit. Research published earlier this year showed that lenacapavir can be made and sold for just US$ 40 per person per year, falling to US$ 25 with sufficient scale.

To successfully expand access to lenacapavir, community engagement will be essential. To advance progress in the roll-out, populations most impacted by HIV must play a central role in its delivery and people most at risk of HIV must have access.

UNAIDS will continue to support countries and partners in driving the response to HIV forward to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to the HIV services they need and that AIDS is ended as a public health threat by 2030.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

GENEVA, 2 September 2025—From 1 to 30 September, a series of UNAIDS posters is on exhibit in Geneva along the Lac Leman. The posters dispel many of the mistruths about HIV and AIDS. While many people think they may be well-informed about the virus, in reality many misconceptions continue to circulate. Forty years after the first cases of HIV were identified, misinformation, stigma and discrimination still persist. Worse still, the information gap is widening, particularly among young people who are often most affected by HIV.

“Today, people often find themselves drowning in information, but many are still not necessarily better informed about HIV,” said Christine Stegling, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director. “This exhibit is designed to enlighten viewers about the current realities of HIV in the hope that they will learn how to protect themselves and be willing to support people living with HIV with more compassion.”

In 2024, UNAIDS estimates that there were 1.3 million new HIV infections - that’s 3 500 people newly infected with the virus every day. And although more than three quarters of the 40.8 million people living with HIV are on treatment, every minute, a person died of AIDS-related causes in 2024. In addition, people living with HIV still experience stigma and discrimination which prevents them from accessing HIV services. This includes treatment which stops transmission of the virus and keeps people alive and well. By knowing the facts and dispelling the myths, we can help break down the stigma and ensure that everyone feels safe to access HIV services, free from discrimination.

“HIV is preventable and, with treatment, people living with HIV stay healthy and cannot transmit the virus yet new infections still occur,” said Professor Alexandra Calmy, head of the infectious disease HIV unit at Hôpital de Genève (HUG.) “Campaigns like this remain essential, here and everywhere, to raise awareness and fight stigma.”

UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, has put together this exhibition to dispel some of the myths around HIV and encourage people to know the facts, get tested and protect themselves against HIV.

"Sadly, there are still cases of discrimination against people living with HIV in Geneva and Switzerland," said Rocco Senatore, Director of the People living with HIV (PVA) network. “Many still ignore some of the basic facts about HIV thus the importance of such awareness campaigns."

The poster exhibit supported by the Ville de Genève will run until the end of the month in Geneva at the Rotonde du Mont-Blanc.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

A milestone for human rights which accelerates access to HIV services, free from discrimination in the Caribbean which will advance efforts to end AIDS by 2030

Kingston/Geneva 30 July 2025—UNAIDS celebrates the groundbreaking decision by the High Court of Justice in Saint Lucia declaring sections 132 and 133 of the Criminal Code unconstitutional for criminalizing consensual adult sexual acts in private. This triumph upholds LGBTQ+ people’s rights to protection of the law, privacy, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, and equal protection under the law, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

"This landmark decision underscores the transformative power of the law in protecting human rights and public health," said Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. "In a region where punitive laws hindered progress towards ending AIDS, Saint Lucia's High Court has set a powerful precedent. UNAIDS stands ready to support all governments and communities in ensuring everyone can live free from discrimination and access the services they need to thrive healthily and safely," said Ms Cabal.

The case is one of the five country strategic litigation initiatives of the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE) which has been working closely with LGBTQ+ organizations, individuals and allies to protect and promote the community’s basic human rights. The case removes out-dated, colonial-era barriers that fuel stigma, discrimination and violence. The Court modified the laws relating to exclude private consensual acts between adults (section 132) and those aged 16+ (section 133), paving the way for dignity and equality to be respected.

Saint Lucia now joins Belize (2016), Antigua and Barbuda (2022), St. Kitts and Nevis (2022), Barbados (2022), and Dominica (2024), which decriminalised same-sex intimacy in recent years. This chronology reflects a surging momentum against outdated laws, fostering more inclusive, rights-based societies across the region.

"The ruling in Saint Lucia gives us hope, demonstrating that justice and equality can prevail and that our courts are advancing public health initiatives by protecting human rights," said Richard Amenyah, UNAIDS Country Director for the Caribbean. "By removing these outdated criminal provisions, we open doors for LGBTQ+ individuals to seek HIV prevention and care without fear, ultimately strengthening our regional fight against HIV and saving lives."

UNAIDS champions this move as a key stride toward zero discrimination and ending AIDS by 2030. By erasing these discriminatory provisions, the ruling removes an obstacle to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, vital in a region where gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and transgender women have disproportionately high rates of HIV and often are kept away from health services for fear of stigma, discrimination and criminalization.

UNAIDS urges remaining countries where these discriminatory laws remain on the books to repeal such laws and prioritize rights-based HIV strategies for healthier futures and more equitable societies.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

GENEVA/ABIDJAN, 24 July 2025—UNAIDS welcomes the announcement by the government of Côte d’Ivoire to close the funding gap for HIV following cuts from international donors. The Government has committed to invest US$ 60 to 65 million in 2025 and US$ 80 to 85 million from 2026 onwards to maintain critical lifesaving HIV services. These funds are essential to sustain and strengthen the quality of HIV services as part of a nationally owned and led effort to end AIDS in Côte d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire has been highly dependent on external donor funding for its response to HIV. This announcement represents a monumental shift towards country ownership for a sustainable, long-term commitment to prevent new HIV infections and ensure treatment for all people living with HIV. The government plans to raise the additional funds through increased taxes on goods such as alcohol and tobacco.

“I commend President Ouattara and the government of the Côte d’Ivoire for this bold announcement. It is a prime example of working creatively to ensure that HIV services are not interrupted amidst cuts to donor funding,” said Winnie Byanyima Executive Director of UNAIDS. “The commitment to increase domestic resources is an example to other countries facing funding cuts of how to be creative in mobilizing and allocating resources to ensure continued lifesaving HIV services.”

The government made the announcement during a three-day visit by Ms Byanyima to Côte d’Ivoire between 16 and 18 July. The government reaffirmed the critical role of civil society and communities in the national HIV response, including through domestic resource allocation to strengthen their contribution to the country’s HIV response. It also announced that it would transform the National AIDS Fund into a multi-disease fund, integrate HIV into Universal Health Coverage, primary health care and the broader health system.

Ms Byanyima met with the Prime Minister H.E. Robert Beugré Mambé who said, "Côte d’Ivoire has five priority challenges: women’s vulnerability to HIV and ensuring access to prevention for women and girls; enhancing prevention education for young people; addressing declining donor funding through domestic resources; local scientific research and strategic communication to inform, mobilize and save lives.” He also applauded the long-standing, strategic collaboration with UNAIDS saying, “Thanks to UNAIDS support, Côte d’Ivoire is winning the battle against HIV.”

During her visit, Ms Byanyima participated in the 10th national meeting of the National Programme of the Fight Against AIDS alongside Vice-President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, who is also the chair of the programme. During the meeting, Ms Byanyima was honored with the title of Commander of the Order of Public Health, the highest distinction of merit in the field of health awarded by the President.

“The bold financial commitment made by Côte d’Ivoire is a powerful example of what political will and national leadership can achieve in the HIV response,” said Ms Byanyima. “Domestic financing is the cornerstone of sustainable health systems, and this decision sends a strong message of national ownership and resilience.”

Ms Byanyima also acknowledged the leadership and critical role of civil society and bilateral support by PEPFAR and international solidarity in the country’s HIV response.

Côte d’Ivoire has made significant progress against the AIDS pandemic, with new infections reduced from 25 000 in 2010 to 8200 in 2024, a fall of 66%. Since 2010, AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 75%, down from 34 000 to 8400 in 2024.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

GENEVA/JOHANNESBURG, 10 July 2025—UNAIDS today launched its 2025 Global AIDS Update, AIDS, Crisis and the Power to Transform, which shows that a historic funding crisis is threatening to unravel decades of progress unless countries can make radical shifts to HIV programming and funding.

The report highlights the impact that the sudden, large-scale funding cuts from international donors are having on countries most affected by HIV. Yet it also showcases some inspiring examples of resilience, with countries and communities stepping up in the face of adversity to protect the gains made and drive the HIV response forward.

Some 25 of the 60 low and middle-income countries included in the report have indicated increases in domestic budgets for their HIV responses in 2026. The estimated collective rise among the 25 countries amounts to 8% over current levels, translating to approximately USD 180 million in additional domestic resources. This is promising, but not sufficient to replace the scale of international funding in countries that are heavily reliant.

A global emergency: massive cuts and weakening of aid consensus threaten to reverse progress

Despite marked progress in the HIV response in 2024, the weakening aid consensus and significant and abrupt funding shortfalls in the HIV response in 2025 have triggered widespread disruption across health systems and cuts to frontline health workers—halting HIV prevention programmes and jeopardizing HIV treatment services.

In Mozambique alone, over 30 000 health personnel were affected. In Nigeria, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation has plummeted from 40 000 to 6000 people per month. If US-supported HIV treatment and prevention services collapse entirely, UNAIDS estimates that an additional 6 million new HIV infections, and 4 million additional AIDS-related deaths could occur between 2025 and 2029.

“This is not just a funding gap—it’s a ticking time bomb,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. “We have seen services vanish overnight. Health workers have been sent home. And people—especially children and key populations—are being pushed out of care.”

Even before the large-scale service disruptions, the reported data for 2024 shows that 9.2 million people living with HIV were still not accessing life-saving treatment services last year. Among those were 620 000 children aged 0—14 years living with HIV but not on treatment which contributed to 75 000 AIDS-related deaths among children in 2024.

In 2024, 630 000 people died from AIDS-related causes, 61% of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Over 210 000 adolescent girls and young women aged 15—24 acquired HIV in 2024—an average of 570 new infections every day.

HIV prevention services are severely disrupted. Community-led services, which are vital to reaching marginalized populations, are being defunded at alarming rates. In early 2025, over 60% of women-led HIV organizations surveyed had lost funding or were forced to suspend services. The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) reached 2.3 million adolescent girls and young women with comprehensive HIV prevention services in 2024 and enabled 2.5 million people to use HIV PrEP—many of these programmes have now stopped completely.

Meanwhile, the rise in punitive laws criminalizing same-sex relationships, gender identity, and drug use is amplifying the crisis, making HIV services inaccessible. Countries like Uganda, Mali and Trinidad and Tobago have seen recent harmful and discriminatory changes to their criminal laws targeting key populations, pushing them further from care and dramatically raising their risk of acquiring HIV.

A beacon of hope: countries and communities are stepping up to protect essential HIV treatment gains and progress is being made

South Africa currently funds 77% of its AIDS response and its 2025 budget review includes a 5.9% annual increase in health expenditure over the next three years, including a 3.3% annual increase for HIV and tuberculosis programmes. The government intends to finance the development of a patient information system, a centralized chronic medicine dispensing and distribution system, and a facility medicine stock surveillance system.

As of December 2024, seven countries—Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—had achieved the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. These successes must be maintained and further scaled up.

The report also highlights the emergence of unprecedented, highly effective new prevention tools like long-acting injectable PrEP, including Lenacapavir, which has shown near-complete efficacy in clinical trials—though affordability and access remain key challenges.

“There is still time to transform this crisis into an opportunity,” said Ms. Byanyima. “Countries are stepping up with domestic funding. Communities are showing what works. We now need global solidarity to match their courage and resilience.”

A call for solidarity 

The 2025 Global AIDS Update concludes with an urgent call: the global HIV response cannot rely on domestic resources alone. The international community must come together to bridge the financing gap, support countries to close the remaining gaps in HIV prevention and treatment services, remove legal and social barriers, and empower communities to lead the way forward.

UNAIDS emphasizes that every dollar invested in the HIV response not only saves lives but strengthens health systems and promotes broader development goals. Since the start of the epidemic, 26.9 million deaths have been averted through treatment, and 4.4 million children protected from HIV infection through vertical transmission prevention.

“In a time of crisis, the world must choose transformation over retreat,” said Ms Byanyima. “Together, we can still end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030—if we act with urgency, unity, and unwavering commitment.”

UNAIDS report is being launched ahead of the Scientific AIDS Conference IAS 2025 taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 13-17 July 2025.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

GENEVA, 27 June 2025—UNAIDS 56^th Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) meeting concluded in Geneva, Switzerland this week at an unprecedented moment in the AIDS response with sudden and drastic cuts to HIV funding by international donors.

“We are seeing a massive interruption in international HIV financing which has created a systemic shock to the global HIV response, triggering huge disruptions to HIV treatment and prevention programmes around the world,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “However, our Joint Programme was created in crisis—it is in our DNA to face crisis and to fight our way out of crisis. We do not give up—we continue to stand with governments and communities as they commit to finish the fight to end AIDS.”

During the meeting board members endorsed UNAIDS’ new operating model based on the recommendations of the High-level panel for a resilient and fit-for-purpose UNAIDS and the direction of travel of UN80. The operating model underpins UNAIDS’ transformation, including the restructuring exercise currently underway for the UNAIDS Secretariat.

Board members endorsed four core functions for the UNAIDS Secretariat: Leadership and advocacy (including for global resource mobilization); Convening and coordination focused on sustainability of the global HIV response; Accountability through data, targets, strategy; and Community engagement—which will guide UNAIDS’ work going forward.

Board members, member states, civil society, communities, cosponsors and observers—all expressed solidarity with UNAIDS at this challenging juncture and board members showed their continued full confidence in the UNAIDS Joint Programme.

“UNAIDS has been at the centre of shaping programmes and policies for people living with HIV just like myself, and also for people who are risk of HIV like our children, adolescents, women and girls and all key populations. The work of UNAIDS is irreplaceable, it is a broker for governments, civil society and all partners ensuring that affected communities are effectively engaged but also meaningfully engaged in decisions that are made for us and importantly ensuring that the critical role we play in HIV and healthcare is protected. For me this is why the work of UNAIDS needs to continue. Let’s all rally behind the Joint Programme and support its continuity,” said Martha Clara Nakato, non-governmental delegate representing Africa.

An important outcome of the meeting was the Board's consideration of the outline for the Global AIDS Strategy 2026-2031. The Strategy and the 2030 targets, to be adopted in December 2025, will inform the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AIDS and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS in 2026.

Many countries reiterated their pledges of support to UNAIDS, and a number made new pledges. Ms Byanyima expressed thanks to UNAIDS constant supporters: The Netherlands, Denmark, Australia, Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, Norway, Canada, Japan and Monaco and showed her appreciation for the contributions received for 2025 and their steady support and leadership over many years.

She particularly appreciated the multiple year commitments made by Denmark, Australia, Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, China, Luxembourg and the UK. “This gives us certainty and predictability,” she said.

On the sidelines of the PCB, Ms Byanyima signed new funding agreements with the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia as well as with the Government of Flanders.

Belgium reconfirmed its long-standing partnership with UNAIDS through the upcoming renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding for 2025–2028, totalling €12 million. ‘Belgium is proud to be renewing its multi-year agreement with UNAIDS, supporting an effective multisectoral global HIV response that is rooted in human rights and places communities at the heart of the response. Belgium considers global health to be a global public good, which requires continued collective action and international cooperation. We will remain a committed partner in global health, to the fight against HIV and to multilateralism,’ said H.E. Mr. Christophe Payot, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations.

Ms Byanyima thanked the German Government for advancing €2 million to UNAIDS on their core contribution for 2025 and an additional financial contribution of up to €500 000 for moving additional staff to the UNAIDS hub in Bonn. "The financial situation of the Joint Programme is dire and risks undermining UNAIDS’ crucial work in the global HIV response. In order to help ensure UNAIDS can deliver on its mandate in 2025, Germany is pleased to confirm a further contribution of €2 million as part of our overall commitment," said Paul Zubeil, Deputy Director-General for European and International Health Politics, Germany.

Spain announced that it will be increasing its core support to UNAIDS. Portugal announced that they would be doubling their contribution and Poland announced that they would also be increasing its contribution to UNAIDS.

“The contributions of all of our donors—whether it is core support or extrabudgetary support—provided in the past or present is precious and critical to our success,” said Ms Byanyima.

The 56^th PCB was chaired by Brazil, with the Netherlands serving as the Vice-Chair and Kenya as Rapporteur. The Report to the Board by the UNAIDS Executive Director, and the reports for each agenda item and the PCB’s decisions can be found here. The 57^th meeting of the PCB will take place 16-18 December 2025, in Brasilia, Brazil.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

GENEVA, 25 June 2025— UNAIDS and Flanders have strengthened their joint efforts to combat the AIDS pandemic in Africa by signing a new cooperation agreement covering the period 2025—2026.

“I want to thank Flanders for their reliable and continued support to UNAIDS and for their strong leadership during this critical phase of the AIDS response,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. “In these uncertain times, the consistency of Flanders’ engagement is highly appreciated and greatly valued.”

The agreement was signed during the 56th meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, with the Flemish delegation headed by Katrien de Pauw, General Representative of Flanders to the United Nations in Geneva.

“To end AIDS by 2030, we must stay the course—we're close, now is not the time to give up. Flanders remains firmly committed to a sustainable finish,” said Ms de Pauw.

The €1.5 million contribution includes an annual €250,000 in core unspecified funds, €250,000 per year in core specified support for Mozambique, and €250,000 per year in core specified support for the seven other most affected countries of Southern Africa.

“This funding from Flanders will make a significant difference to the lives of people living with and affected by HIV in Mozambique, especially for women and girls and other marginalized and vulnerable groups of people. Hartelijk Bedankt Vlaanderen (Thank you Flanders)!” said Phillipe-Serge Degernier, a Belgian national and UNAIDS country director for Mozambique.

With 2.4 million people living with HIV in 2023, Mozambique has the second largest HIV epidemic after South Africa. A total of 2.1 million people in the country are on treatment to keep them well. However, the pause in US funding and the reduction to other international funding streams have complicated efforts to maintain HIV treatment, care and prevention efforts in the country and across the region.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

GENEVA, 24 June 2025—Cambodia has strengthened their joint efforts to combat the AIDS pandemic by signing a new cooperation agreement with UNAIDS for a year and pledging US$ 100,000.

“This contribution shows the importance Cambodia places on UNAIDS, the HIV response, and the multilateral system,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. “Considering the significant cuts the global AIDS response faces, we thank you and we appreciate your solidarity.”

Cambodia is on track to achieve the 95-95-95 Global AIDS Strategy targets. Currently 92% of people living with HIV are aware of their status, almost all diagnosed people are on treatment, while more than 98% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. Since 2010, new infections have decreased by 45%. This is a greater decline than overall global results and more than three times faster than the average Asia-Pacific rate of decline.

A Cambodian delegation attended the 56^th UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) meeting in Geneva June 24-26, headed by Ieng Mouly, Senior Minister and Chair of the National Cambodia AIDS Authority as well as Dara In, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cambodia in Geneva, Switzerland.

“This contribution from the Royal Government of Cambodia is not just a financial investment in the global HIV response,” said Ieng Mouly. “This is also a symbol of our belief in UNAIDS, the UN Joint Programme on HIV, and the multilateral system. Therefore, financial support to UNAIDS is crucial. We urge other countries to commit and invest in UNAIDS to make ending AIDS a reality.”

Cambodia has been a board member of the UNAIDS PCB since 2023 and has recently been re-elected for a second term (2026–2028).

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.