UNAIDS has released its 2025 Global AIDS Report, titled “AIDS, Crisis, and Power for Change,” which warns of a serious threat to years of progress in the fight against HIV due to a global funding crisis. The report calls on countries to urgently strengthen measures to combat the epidemic, otherwise millions of lives will be at risk.
Cuts in international aid have caused serious disruptions to health systems, particularly in countries most affected by HIV. In Mozambique, more than 30,000 health workers have lost their jobs, and in Nigeria, the number of new users of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has fallen from 40,000 to 6,000 per month. If US-supported programs are completely discontinued, UNAIDS predicts 6 million new HIV cases and 4 million additional AIDS deaths by 2029.
“This is not just a funding shortfall, it’s a ticking time bomb,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. According to the report, in 2024, 9.2 million people with HIV did not have access to life-saving treatment, including 620,000 children under the age of 14. As a result, 75,000 children died of AIDS last year. A total of 630,000 people died from AIDS-related causes, 61% of them in sub-Saharan Africa.
Despite the crisis, 25 of 60 low- and middle-income countries plan to increase domestic funding for HIV programs by US$180 million in 2026, representing an 8% increase from current levels. For example, South Africa funds 77% of its HIV programs and plans to increase health spending by 5.9% annually over the next three years. Seven countries—Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—have achieved the “95-95-95” targets, which means high levels of diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression.
However, repressive laws in countries such as Uganda, Mali, and Trinidad and Tobago limit access to services for vulnerable groups, increasing the risk of HIV transmission. In addition, 60% of women’s organizations working with vulnerable groups lost funding or suspended operations in 2025.
The report highlights the emergence of new prevention tools, including long-acting injectable PrEP drugs such as Lencapavir, which has shown nearly 100% effectiveness in clinical trials. However, their availability remains limited due to a lack of funding.
“We still have time to turn this crisis into an opportunity,” said Winnie Byanyima. “Countries are increasing domestic funding, and communities are demonstrating effective approaches. Global solidarity is needed to support their efforts.”
UNAIDS calls on the international community to unite to bridge financial gaps, remove legal and social barriers, and support communities in the fight against HIV. Every dollar invested in HIV response not only saves lives, but also strengthens health systems and contributes to the achievement of global development goals.
During the 13th IAS 2025 conference, which will be held online from Kigali, Rwanda, on July 13–17, leading experts are sounding the alarm about the danger posed by the sharp decline in funding for the fight against HIV. Forecast models and real data from Africa and Latin America show rising incidence, treatment interruptions, and increased pressure on health systems.