A recent report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has highlighted a significant decline in condom distribution in Nigeria, with a 55 percent drop over the last year. This reduction poses a substantial obstacle in the fight against HIV. The report, released on World AIDS Day, also notes that HIV prevention, testing, and community-driven initiatives are facing disruptions, while access to treatment is decreasing in various regions.
The UN organization reported that 13 African countries have seen a decline in the number of individuals starting HIV therapy. Furthermore, approximately 450,000 women in sub-Saharan Africa no longer have access to “mother mentors,” community personnel who assist pregnant women and new mothers in obtaining HIV care and treatment. The report attributes this situation to reduced funding and a deteriorating human rights climate, which are undermining years of progress in HIV prevention and treatment.
According to UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, “The financial shortfall has exposed the vulnerability of the gains we have worked hard to achieve.” She emphasized that infants are being denied HIV testing, young women are losing access to prevention services, and entire communities are suddenly without support. Prior to these disruptions, young women and girls were already highly vulnerable, with an estimated 570 girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 24 contracting HIV daily.
The breakdown of prevention initiatives will increase the susceptibility of women, with over 60 percent of women-led organizations forced to halt essential services. UNAIDS forecasts that without the reinstatement of prevention measures, an additional 3.3 million new HIV cases could be reported worldwide from 2025 to 2030. The agency is calling on world leaders to urgently protect and increase HIV funding, invest in affordable prevention tools, and respect human rights, stressing that communities must remain at the center of the global HIV response.
The situation underscores the need for sustained efforts to combat HIV, particularly in regions with limited resources. The decline in condom distribution and access to treatment is a setback in the progress made against the disease. As the global community marks World AIDS Day, it is essential to reinforce commitment to HIV prevention, treatment, and support, ensuring that vulnerable populations, especially young women and girls, receive the necessary care and services to prevent new infections and improve health outcomes.