GENEVA, 03 November 2026—UNAIDS extends its warmest congratulations to the Executive Director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima on her appointment as chair of the board of trustees of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).  

Ms Byanyima will take up her new position with IIED, a leading independent policy and research organization tackling climate change, nature loss and inequality, in January 2027.  

Ms Byanyima announced her departure from UNAIDS at the Special Session of UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board on 26 October where she strongly expressed her commitment to continue to lead the Joint Programme with all her ‘energy and determination until the final day of my mandate’ which concludes on 31 December 2026.  

UNAIDS extends its heartfelt thanks to Ms Byanyima who has courageously and forcefully led UNAIDS through a period of profound challenges and transformation. She has steered the Joint Programme through turbulent times, strengthened its foundations and sustained a strong global AIDS response, based on evidence, data and human rights, with people living with HIV and communities at the centre. 

UNAIDS wishes Ms Byanyima all the very best in her new endeavor.  

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 28 October 2026—The Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) congratulates Mark Dybul on his appointment as the new Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). 

UNAIDS also warmly welcomes the new Global Fund Chair and Vice-Chair, Erna Solberg and Javier Hourcade Bellocq. “UNAIDS Joint Programme looks forward to continuing to work closely with Mr Dybul and the Global Fund partnership to support countries and communities to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and sustain the progress into the future,” said Angeli Achrekar, Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS and Board Member of the Global Fund. "By connecting financing with country-level data, policy expertise and engagement with communities, the Global Fund and UNAIDS can help ensure that investments are aligned with national and community priorities and deliver lasting results.”   

Throughout his career, Mr Dybul has supported the work of UNAIDS, also serving as Vice-Chair and later Chair of UNAIDS’ Programme Coordinating Board. Mr Dybul previously served as the Executive Director at the Global Fund from 2013 to 2017, where he worked closely with UNAIDS on accelerating country level progress. He previously served as the United States Global AIDS Coordinator, leading the launch of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the largest HIV programme in the world.

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, 26 October 2026—The UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) has reaffirmed strong support for a continued, streamlined and efficient UNAIDS Joint Programme. Board members were unanimous that its transformation must protect people and communities living with, at risk and affected by HIV, and ensure governments and communities sustain and enhance the gains of the AIDS response.  

In her remarks, Executive Director Winnie Byanyima captured the significance of the decision, “You have rejected the sunsetting of UNAIDS and chosen instead to transform and strengthen this unique Joint Programme. I thank programme countries, donors, civil society and activists who stood firm and fought for the future of UNAIDS. Saving the Joint Programme is only the beginning. Now we must transform it and get that transformation right.” 

At its special session today, the Board took note of the final report of the PCB Working Group and approved the overall strategic direction for transition of UNAIDS as set out in the report. It asked the PCB Chair to transmit that direction and the Board’s decisions to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). 

The decisions taken by the board are in support of the directions set by the Secretary-General’s UN80 reforms. A transformed United Nations must measure its success not by the structures it preserves or abolishes, but by the impact we deliver for people. Addressing the Board, the Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said, “The Secretary-General’s intention was to preserve and strengthen the UN’s HIV response in face of disruption and anchor the response more firmly at the country level.” 

The key strategic directions outlined in the report include: 

• UNAIDS will not be sunset, and the UN's mandate on HIV continues 
• A strong and focused Secretariat (Hub) leading on four core functions 
• Cosponsors taking stronger leadership in technical areas, according to the division of labour 
• Communities at the centre of the model at every level, with a shift to co-creation and co-leadership 
• Human rights and gender equality protected 
• The ECOSOC mandate and inclusive governance under the PCB maintained 
• A phased transition, not a rushed one, shaped by each country's context and readiness. 

The Board requested the Executive Director to establish a Transition Task Team, comprising Secretariat and Cosponsor representatives and two community representatives nominated by the PCB NGO delegation. The team will work closely with implementing countries, consult relevant Joint Programme stakeholders and be accountable to the Board for delivering a fully costed implementation plan. 

Many programme countries have stepped forward to support UNAIDS in the face of funding cuts and potential withdrawal from countries. 

Algerian Ambassador Idris Latreche announced an early voluntary contribution of US$40,000 to the UNAIDS country office in Algiers for 2027. Algeria also provides office premises free of charge and national personnel to support the office’s operations. Contributions have come from many countries including Benin, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Laos, Philippines, South Africa and Thailand. 

“These contributions reflect Algeria’s commitment to our collective efforts towards maintaining an effective UNAIDS presence at country level, towards ensuring continuity of services, and towards avoiding any disruption that could affect the people who depend on them,” said Ambassador Latreche. 

The Board also approved the 2027 Work Plan and Budget, including simplified performance reporting. It thanked governments that contributed to the 2026 budget and urged others to release their contributions as soon as possible. It also encouraged governments to make multi-year commitments and release their 2027 contributions promptly. 

Ms Byanyima also informed the Board that she will complete her service as Executive Director on 31 December 2026. The Secretary-General will appoint an interim Executive Director from 1 January 2027 while the Board begins the selection process for the next Executive Director. 

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.

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 25 September 2026—At the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, the global community made it clear: ending AIDS remains a shared responsibility. From countries and community leaders to international partners, a powerful united front stepped up to bolster UNAIDS’ critical mission to advance the end of AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.  

This coalition was anchored by high-level dialogues on African health sovereignty, equitable access to medicines and the transformation of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), demonstrating that UNAIDS’ agenda is sustained by renewed by global solidarity.  

Joining one of UNAIDS’ high-level events, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed highlighted the Joint Programme’s contribution over more than three decades, saying the global HIV response is “among the finest achievements of the UN.” 

Strong backing from countries 

A recurring message throughout UNGA81 was the value countries and partners place on UNAIDS’ unique platform for driving action and supporting countries and communities to advance progress towards ending AIDS by 2030 while strengthening preparedness for future health threats. 

The Government of Benin stepped forward to sign a new agreement with UNAIDS, providing over €500,000 to support UNAIDS' work in Benin over 2026-2027.  

President Duma Boko of Botswana reaffirmed his country's confidence in UNAIDS and the support it has provided throughout Botswana's HIV response. He also offered additional support for UNAIDS' presence in the country and sub-regionally and recognized UNAIDS in his plenary remarks to the UN General Assembly. 

Benin and Botswana are among a growing number of programme countries making new or enhanced commitments to UNAIDS. Recent financial contributions and commitments from countries including Algeria, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Kazakhstan, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Philippines, South Africa and Thailand demonstrate broad recognition of the continuing value of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.  

"Countries are telling us: stay with us, we need you," said Ms Byanyima. "Their support speaks volumes about the impact UNAIDS has had over decades and about the value of maintaining our partnership and support during this time of transformation and change." 

Mobilizing action on African health sovereignty 

One of UNAIDS’ flagship event during UNGA81 brought together ministers, policymakers, local pharmaceutical manufacturers, civil society representatives, people living with HIV and regional and international institutions to accelerate African local production of medicines and health technologies. 

Convened jointly with the African Union Development Agency (AU NEPAD), the event focused on advancing health sovereignty by expanding production of lifesaving HIV medicines and other critical health technologies across the continent. 

Participants explored practical steps to accelerate local manufacturing of cutting-edge HIV prevention and treatment technologies, strengthen regulatory systems and create sustainable markets that can expand access to essential medicines. The high-level participants underscored a shared conviction that achieving health sovereignty requires Africa to become a producer, not simply a consumer, of critical health products. 

Building confidence in the future of UNAIDS 

In partnership with the Governments of Botswana and the Netherlands, UNAIDS also convened a high-level discussion on the transformation of  the Joint Programme and its future role in the global HIV response. 

The event attracted strong interest and participation from over 16 ministers, with additional senior government representatives and representatives of civil society, highlighting that ending AIDS requires the UN to maintain a strong, coordinated global HIV response, led by the Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS. 

Participants welcomed the progress UNAIDS has already made in its transformation process and underscored the importance for the UN to maintain its unique mandate to unite governments, communities, multilateral organizations and development partners through the Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS. 

From commitment to action 

At UNGA81, UNAIDS came with a clear mission to carry forward the momentum generated by the United Nations General Assembly 2026 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS adopted in June this year, and the Global AIDS Strategy 2026-2031, engaging governments, communities and partners around the actions needed to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.  

"What we heard throughout this week was a powerful affirmation from countries and partners that UNAIDS remains essential not only to ending AIDS, but also to advancing UN reform, health sovereignty, expanding access to medicines and addressing the inequalities that continue to drive disease,” said Ms Byanyima.

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.

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 24 September 2026—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) warmly welcomes a new contribution of € 544,042 from the Government of Benin to support UNAIDS' work in the country over the period 2026-2027. 

The funding agreement, signed in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, reflects Benin's strong commitment to sustaining progress against HIV and ensuring that lifesaving prevention, treatment and support services continue to reach the people who need them most. The contribution will help strengthen UNAIDS' presence in Benin and support efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient HIV response at a time when many countries and organizations are facing reduced international financing for health and development programmes. 

“This signing is not a simple administrative act; it is a mark of loyalty. Since 2001, UNAIDS has stood by our side,” said the Minister of Health of Benin Benjamin Hounkpatin. “It is more than a financing agreement; it is proof that a steadfast partnership, sustained over time, saves lives: 72% fewer new infections and 51% fewer deaths since 2010. These are lives saved and families protected.” 

UNAIDS has been supporting Benin's HIV response since 2001, working alongside government institutions, communities, civil society organizations and development partners to expand access to HIV services, reduce stigma and discrimination, and advance health equity. Over the past decade, Benin has made significant progress in the HIV response.  

"This contribution from the Government of Benin is a powerful demonstration of national leadership and shared responsibility in the fight against HIV," said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. "At a time when global health financing is under pressure, Benin is sending a clear message: the fight against AIDS is not over. We are deeply grateful for this partnership, which will help protect hard-won gains, accelerate progress towards ending AIDS and ensure that no one is left behind." 

Benin’s support will strengthen UNAIDS' strategic capacity to provide policy advice, data and analysis, community engagement, resource mobilization, and efforts to reach populations most affected by HIV. It will also help reinforce coordination across sectors to ensure that Benin remains on track to achieve national and global HIV targets. 

“At a time when multilateral funding is faltering across the world, Benin has chosen not to look away,” added Minister Hounkpatin. “By mobilizing €544,042 for the next two years, our country is sending a clear signal: that it is taking full ownership of, and responsibility for, its response to HIV. Today, we honour this partnership, and we renew our commitment to it for the future.” 

Benin joins a growing group of countries investing directly in UNAIDS' work, alongside Algeria, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Lao PDR, the Philippines and Thailand. These contributions reflect the strong confidence that countries place in UNAIDS' role and their determination to sustain a robust HIV response by ensuring UNAIDS remains present and actively engaged on the ground. 

UNAIDS commends the Government of Benin for its leadership and commitment to investing in a healthier and more equitable future and looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with all national partners to end AIDS 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.

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 24 September 2026—The Joint United Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD) and partners have convened African ministers, government leaders, private sector, and international organizations to drive a shared agenda for health sovereignty and speed-up African production of cutting-edge medicines and health technologies for HIV and other pandemics. 

The event, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, focused on how Africa can accelerate access to life-saving health technologies through stronger regional manufacturing, regulatory cooperation and political leadership. 

As well as UNAIDS and AUDA-NEPAD, partners included the Government of Côte d'Ivoire, Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania and the Global Council on AIDS, Inequality and Pandemics.  

Participants pointed to scientific breakthroughs, such as long-acting HIV prevention medicines, mRNA vaccine technologies and new shorter TB treatments as they laid out ways to better translate science into access for all.  

“Africa cannot remain at the back of the line when life-saving medicines exist,” said the Executive Director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima.  

Tiémoko Meyliet Kone, Vice President of Cote D’Iovire told participants, “Health sovereignty involves strengthening our ability to secure our supplies, consolidate our production capacity, innovate and contribute fully to global health solutions.”  

Ministers and agency heads identified actions across a number of priorities for advancing health sovereignty across the continent. 

Discussing actions to harmonize markets and build a more coordinated regulatory environment, Zambia’s Health Minister Roma Chilengi said, “Technical know-how on the continent has grown, political will is now a given…we must move beyond colonial era dependence.”  

In a discussion on expanding production capacity, South Africa’s Joe Phaahlaa, Deputy Minister of Health, reflected on lessons from Biovac’s experience during COVID-19. “Local Manufacturing needs predictable demand, pooled procurement and investment to be sustainable.” 

The Director General of NEPAD, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, called for greater alignment between political ambition and implementation, noting that fragmented markets continue to limit the scale and predictability needed for African manufacturers to invest in advanced production. 

Government leaders from Europe and Latin America outlined actions to build a new model of global cooperation, based on equity, partnership and shared responsibility.  

Adriano Massuda, Executive Secretary of Health of Brazil said, " Under the Brazil G20 presidency, we launched a global coalition for local and regional production, innovation, and equitable access to strengthen global cooperation, technology transfer, and local and regional manufacturing capacities. As President Lula says, ‘Africa is a key partner in this agenda. Brazil is ready to deepen South-South cooperation with African countries’.”  

Florence Anam, Executive Director of the Global Network of People Living with HIV, reminded the audience that “Availability is not access.”  

Participants recognized the importance of the African Medicines Agency, the African Continental Free Trade Area and pooled procurement mechanisms in creating larger, more predictable markets for African-produced health technologies. 

A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the unique value of UNAIDS in bringing together leaders across sectors who would not otherwise be at the same table. 

“The coordination and convening of these high-level dignitaries around this table, from government, the private sector and beyond, is evidence of the value that many of us see in UNAIDS,” said Douglas Bosire, Chief Executive Officer of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, Kenya. “Convening bold political commitment and leadership is key to resolving the issues we have discussed here. Without this gathering, we would simply be talking amongst ourselves.” 

The event reinforced that achieving health sovereignty is not only about medicines and manufacturing. It also requires trusted institutions, political leadership, regional cooperation and meaningful engagement with communities. 

The United Nations will continue to convene governments, industry, civil society and international partners to turn scientific progress into equitable access and better health outcomes for all. 

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.

JOHANNESBURG/GABORONE/BEIJING/GENEVA 16 September 2026—The Southern African Development Community (SADC), UNAIDS, the Government of China and the Global Health Innovation Institute (GHII) have agreed to advance collaboration on regional pharmaceutical manufacturing, following a joint visit to production facilities in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, South Africa.

The delegation assessed existing capabilities in pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing, biotechnology, genomics and diagnostics, and identified priority areas to help Southern African countries expand domestic production of quality-assured medicines and health technologies.

The collaboration aims to reduce reliance on imports, strengthen health security and improve more timely access to essential health products across the region. Partnering with China offers an opportunity to connect technology, expertise, investment and manufacturing capabilities with this growing regional capacity.

“This exchange was about moving from ambition to practical action,” said Eva Kiwango, Director and Representative, UNAIDS Office in China. “The Southern African Development Community has the capacity to expand regional manufacturing and improve access to essential HIV and other health products, but this will require sustained investment, alignment of regulatory frameworks, technology transfer, skills development and cultivating strategic multilateral partnerships and pioneering innovative financing.”

The collaboration aligns with the United Nations’ Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, which calls for greater health sovereignty and strengthened cooperation to advance local and regional production of HIV and health technologies as part of efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. It also comes at an important moment following UN Day for South-South Cooperation.

“This strategic exchange has strengthened mutual understanding and identified concrete opportunities for cooperation between China and Southern Africa. By leveraging complementary strengths in policy, technology, manufacturing and market development, we can advance local pharmaceutical production, enhance health security, and support sustainable access to quality health products across the region.” Official from National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (NDCPA), China.

During the exchange, key priorities that were identified for cooperation included developing a regional list of essential HIV and sexual and reproductive health commodities, strengthening demand forecasting and pooled procurement and creating more predictable markets for African manufacturers.

The partners agreed to advance technology transfer, skills development and investment opportunities to expand local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity while supporting regulatory systems to enable quality-assured production.

“This visit highlighted significant opportunities for China-Southern Africa cooperation in pharmaceutical development. By combining our respective strengths in manufacturing, innovation, and market development, we can support strengthening local production capacity, improve access to quality medicines, and contribute to better health outcomes for the people across Southern Africa,” said Ms. Xiaoxia An, CEO, Desano Pharmaceutical Group

More than half of the people living with HIV who are not receiving lifesaving antiretroviral treatment are in sub-Saharan Africa. For UNAIDS, expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing in the region is about building resilient health systems and ensuring that people are not left behind or forced to wait for access to the innovations that can save their lives or safeguard their health.  

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, 16 September 2026—UNAIDS welcomes the Government of Fiji’s decision to declare HIV a national crisis and the measures announced by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, to accelerate the country’s HIV response.

Fiji is facing one of the sharpest increases in new HIV infections globally. UNAIDS estimates that new infections rose 12-fold between 2010 and 2025. An estimated 9,100 people were living with HIV in 2025, only 39% knew their HIV status and just 22% were accessing antiretroviral treatment.

“Fiji has recognized the urgency of the moment and is stepping up its response,” said the Executive Director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima. “It is also a stark reminder to the world that AIDS is not over. HIV epidemics can change quickly, and countries need health and community systems that are ready to respond urgently.” 

The decision brings the urgency needed to ramp up the response to a higher level across government and society. A Cabinet subcommittee has been established to address policy and implementation barriers and accelerate action. 

Among cases with a known mode of transmission, over half were linked to sexual transmission and more than 42% to injecting drug use. UNAIDS welcomes plans to introduce a needle and syringe programme, with legislative amendments expected to go before Parliament. 

The Government has also announced expanded HIV prevention, testing and treatment, including wider access to medicine to prevent HIV (PrEP), including long-acting prevention options such as twice-yearly injections, stronger community engagement and action against stigma and discrimination.

Communities are already an essential part of the HIV response in Fiji. Community organizations and peer outreach workers are connecting people to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care, countering misinformation and stigma, and reaching people who may not use formal health services.

Fiji’s nationally led response is supported by regional and international partners. UNAIDS Joint Programme supports Fiji in providing policy advice and helps connect government, communities and partners, while other development partners contribute funding, commodities and technical expertise.

“The national crisis declaration is a call for action, not fear. HIV is not transmitted through everyday contact, and people on effective treatment with an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV,” said Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. “Fiji still has an opportunity to change the course of this epidemic. Stronger cooperation across the Pacific and sustained international solidarity can reinforce the national effort and help accelerate action.”

Pacific countries are at different stages of their HIV epidemics, but the region is closely connected through travel, education, employment and family ties. Access to combination HIV prevention and treatment, strong surveillance, community-led responses and shared expertise can help countries recognise changes early and respond quickly.

UNAIDS will continue working with Fiji and countries across the Pacific, alongside communities and development partners, to strengthen national responses and regional cooperation.

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.

JOHANNESBURG/GENEVA, 1 September 2026 – UNAIDS, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Global Health Innovation Institute (GHII) have brought together the Government of South Africa, the Government of China, Chinese pharmaceutical companies and regional and global partners in a major new collaboration to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing across Southern Africa.  

The partnership, developed through sustained engagement led by UNAIDS, is being advanced this week through a SADC-China strategic exchange taking place from 31 August to 4 September 2026 in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. By applying lessons from the HIV response, it brings together governments, pharmaceutical manufacturers, research institutions, financial and development partners and health experts to explore how stronger partnerships can accelerate regional production of medicines, diagnostics and health technologies. 

“Strengthening pharmaceutical manufacturing is about much more than producing medicines. It is about African countries having greater control over the health products their people depend on including for HIV, while building the skills, investment, technology and systems needed for long-term health security,” said Anne Githuku-Shongwe, UNAIDS Regional Director for East and Southern Africa 

The exchange comes at a time when health security, resilient supply chains and sustainable access to essential medicines are priorities across Africa. For Southern Africa, strengthening regional manufacturing capacity offers an opportunity to reduce vulnerability to external supply disruptions while supporting innovation, skills development, investment and economic growth. 

“Health security requires the capacity to produce. Our partnership with China can help connect African manufacturing capability with the investment, technology and skills needed to strengthen regional pharmaceutical production,” said Dr Lamboly Kumboneki, SADC Secretariat. 

Building regional manufacturing capacity 

A key focus of the exchange will be how a China-Africa collaboration can help unlock technology transfer, investment, manufacturing expertise and innovation to strengthen African pharmaceutical production. 

The programme will include high level policy discussions with government and regulatory stakeholders, engagement with development and financing partners, and visits to pharmaceutical manufacturing and research facilities in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. 

Discussions will explore expanding investment and technology transfer; improving market intelligence, demand visibility and regulatory readiness; strengthening pooled procurement and health commodity security; and identifying practical opportunities for deeper Africa–China collaboration on pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

“China’s healthcare industry has grown and matured significantly over the last few decades, and companies are looking for opportunities beyond, globally. Africa is the market of the future. Being here has shown us the willingness and readiness of South African companies and policy makers. I believe this is a perfect opportunity to bring accessible health products through a mutually beneficial partnership” said Gary Yang, Acting CFO, Head of Business Development and Global Alliance. 

At the conclusion of the exchange, partners will identify priority opportunities and practical next steps to strengthen regional pharmaceutical manufacturing and health commodity security.

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.

If proved effective, UNAIDS highlights that speed, affordability and equitable access will be critical 

GENEVA/JOHANNESBURG, 5 August 2026—An oral monthly pill to prevent HIV, alimatravir (also known as MK-8527), produced by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), is currently undergoing promising phase three trials. If the trials are successful, this development could provide another tool in the HIV prevention toolbox and a positive step towards ending AIDS. 

UNAIDS commends MSD for its early access plan to help partners prepare for manufacturing and delivery. MSD has announced voluntary licensing agreements with generic pharmaceutical manufacturers, including three in Africa, to produce the once-monthly oral HIV prevention candidate. Early planning for financing, demand forecasting, accessibility and regulatory readiness will be as important as scientific innovation to ensure that new HIV prevention technologies reach people rapidly and equitably. 

"Scientific innovation has the power to change the trajectory of the AIDS pandemic, but only if it reaches everyone who needs it," said Angeli Achrekar, Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS. "If alimatravir proves to be safe and effective and receives regulatory approval, manufacturing must be rapidly scaled up and the product made affordable and accessible in low- and middle-income countries from day one. No one should have to wait years for life-saving HIV prevention." 

UNAIDS commends MSD for the proposed partnerships with Aspen Pharmacare in South Africa, Quality Chemicals Industries Limited in Uganda and Universal Corporation Limited in Kenya. If the trials are successful, the agreement will present an important opportunity to strengthen Africa's local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity. It will also bring innovative HIV prevention options closer to the people who need them most, supported by sustainable market development and technology transfer. 

The announcement aligns with UNAIDS’ Global AIDS Strategy’s call to ensure equitable access to innovation and the strengthening of health sovereignty through local production, regional manufacturing and pooled procurement commitments. This was reaffirmed by countries in June this year in the 2026 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS. 

Despite remarkable progress in scientific innovations in recent years, including antiretroviral-based HIV prevention options, millions of people—particularly adolescent girls and young women, marginalized populations and other people at heightened risk of HIV—still lack access to effective HIV prevention options.  

In 2025, 1.2 million people acquired HIV, and more than half a million people (570 000) died of AIDS-related illnesses. Around 3100 adolescent girls and young women acquire HIV every week in sub-Saharan Africa. Expanding choice through new prevention technologies, alongside sustained investment in community-led services and strong health systems, will be essential to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. 

“UNAIDS welcomes partnerships that link clinical research, regional manufacturing and equitable access to HIV services,” said Ms Achrekar. “UNAIDS calls on governments, pharmaceutical companies, global health partners and communities to work together to accelerate production, ensure affordable pricing and remove barriers that delay access to new HIV prevention tools across all regions of the world.” 

UNAIDS will continue working with countries and partners to monitor equitable access, support affordable pricing, strengthen costing and resource planning, and advance sustainable financing pathways for the introduction and scale-up of all new HIV prevention technologies.

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.