The global HIV response is facing its worst setback in decades, according to a report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The agency’s 2025 World AIDS Day report, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” reveals a significant decline in condom distribution in Nigeria, with a 55% drop over the past year.
The report highlights widespread disruption to HIV prevention, testing, and community-led programs, resulting in a decrease in the number of people newly initiated on treatment across 13 countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, 450,000 women have lost access to “mother mentors,” trusted community workers who link them to care. The UNAIDS agency attributes this disruption to abrupt funding cuts and a deteriorating human rights environment, which has affected prevention and treatment services in dozens of countries.
Prior to the crisis, adolescent girls and young women were already severely affected, with 570 new HIV infections occurring daily among young women aged 15 to 24. The funding crisis has exposed the fragility of progress made in the fight against HIV, according to UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. She emphasized that the choices made today will have a significant impact on millions of lives, and it is essential to unite behind the shared vision of ending AIDS.
The report warns that dismantled prevention programs leave vulnerable populations, such as adolescent girls and young women, even more susceptible to HIV. Community-led organizations, which are crucial to HIV outreach, are under pressure, with over 60% of women-led organizations suspending essential services. If prevention efforts are not restored, UNAIDS modeling suggests that an additional 3.3 million new HIV infections could occur between 2025 and 2030.
The decline in international assistance has been significant, with OECD projections indicating a 30-40% decrease in external health funding in 2025 compared to 2023. This decline has had an immediate and severe impact, particularly in low- and middle-income countries highly affected by HIV. UNAIDS is urging world leaders to reaffirm global solidarity and multilateralism, maintain and increase HIV funding, and invest in innovation, including affordable long-acting prevention and upholding human rights. The agency emphasizes the need to empower communities, which remain central to successful HIV responses.
