As the world marks World AIDS Day, the global fight against HIV is at a critical juncture. Despite rapid scientific progress, funding shortfalls and weakened health systems are threatening to undermine efforts to combat the disease. According to the latest UNAIDS report, the international response to HIV is weakening, with falling funding and disrupted health services hindering progress.
Globally, an estimated 41 million people are living with HIV, with 1.3 million new infections reported last year. Furthermore, 9.2 million people still lack access to life-saving antiretroviral treatment. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has warned that the global response to HIV has suffered its biggest setback in decades, emphasizing that “HIV is not over” and calling for renewed global mobilization.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria recently raised €9 billion for the next three years, far short of the €15 billion needed. This shortfall threatens the future of crucial programs worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, which bears a disproportionate share of the epidemic. The region accounts for 52% of the 40.8 million people living with HIV worldwide, with 60% of all people living with the virus residing in this area.
Despite these challenges, scientific advances are being made. The development of long-acting antiretroviral treatments and injectable PrEP, which offers long-term protection against HIV, are notable breakthroughs. Lenacapavir, recently recommended by the World Health Organization, provides six months of protection with a single shot and is expected to be made available at a significantly reduced cost in low-resource countries.
However, these advances risk remaining theoretical unless health systems can keep up. The global development aid for health fell by 22% in 2025, driven largely by reductions or withdrawals from major US programs. This has resulted in a crisis in international financing for the fight against HIV/AIDS and global health, with drastic cuts from donor countries causing major interruptions in the delivery of essential services.
The consequences are already being felt, with infections rising again in several countries. The funding crisis, compounded by the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, is undermining the progress made since the early 2000s. UNAIDS is urging the global community to rethink the funding model, emphasizing that science alone cannot end the epidemic. Without a shift in funding, the world will likely fall short of its goal to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030, and may even face a resurgence of the disease.