Donors

Ethiopia has made significant progress in its HIV response in recent years and is on track to reach the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets with 90% of people living with HIV in the country being aware of their HIV status; 94% of those diagnosed with HIV receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy; and 96% of people on ARV therapy achieving viral suppression.   

But now, that progress is at risk. The recent pause in United States foreign assistance poses a direct threat to the lives and well-being of thousands of people living with HIV in Ethiopia and millions globally. Critical services are grinding to a halt, leaving people who rely on them facing an uncertain and dangerous future. 

Ethiopia is heavily reliant on external funding for its AIDS response. PEPFAR provides 53% of HIV funding in the country. In 2023, UNAIDS’ estimates show that there were 610 000 people living with HIV in Ethiopia, 510 000 of whom were accessing antiretroviral treatment.  

For women living with HIV, uncertainty is growing. Limited and unclear communication from healthcare providers and policymakers has left them in the dark about treatment changes, medication availability, and service disruptions. With no clear answers, they are forced to rely on rumors, fueling fear and anxiety. 

“We don’t know what’s happening. Are services being cut permanently? Will we still get our medication next month? No one is telling us anything,” one woman shared. 

To make matters worse, case workers and counsellors—once a vital source of medical and emotional support—are disappearing. These professionals were more than healthcare providers; they were trusted confidants who ensured women received care in a stigma-free environment. Their absence is leaving many feeling abandoned. 

“They understood our struggles, checked in on us, and made sure we had what we needed,” another woman explained. “Without them, we feel forgotten.” 

As services become increasingly unreliable, distress and fear are taking hold. 

Shortages and desperate measures  

Funding cuts bring shortages, and for women living with HIV, the fear of running out of medication is overwhelming. Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential—it keeps people alive. Yet many are already facing supply disruptions, and whispers of medication shortages are spreading panic. 

“If I can’t get my medicine, what happens to me?” one woman asked. Women living with HIV who have been healthy for years now fear an uncertain future where their treatment is no longer guaranteed. People living with HIV who do not access antiretroviral therapy will eventually develop AIDS and die. To cope, many have resorted to stockpiling medication, traveling long distances and spending entire days at clinics in hopes of securing extra supplies. While understandable, this survival strategy comes at a heavy cost—disrupting work, family life, and daily routines. No one should have to live in fear of their next refill. The urgent need for stable, uninterrupted HIV treatment cannot be overstated. 

Adding to the crisis, shortages extend beyond medication. The dwindling supply of test kits, including viral load tests, is threatening the future of diagnosis and monitoring. These tests are crucial to ensure that people living with HIV maintain undetectable viral levels, reducing transmission risks and protecting their health.  

Fears have also been expressed around the availability of medications for HIV prevention, particularly for the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV. If the current pause in the supply of medical resources continues, the availability of these vital medications could be severely compromised, putting the lives of women and children at even greater risk.   For women living with HIV who are pregnant, a lack of lifesaving medications for themselves also means their children can be born with HIV even though this is entirely preventable.

Without test kits and prevention measures, undiagnosed and untreated cases could rise dangerously. “We can’t afford to go backward,” one woman said. 

A Plea for Action 

The voices of these women reveal a stark and urgent reality—funding cuts have left people living with HIV in a state of uncertainty, with no clear path forward. 

"Urgent intervention is needed,” stressed Tina Boonto, Country Director for UNAIDS Ethiopia. “UNAIDS is gathering information and developing funding solutions to address the shortfall, with proposals for both the government and external partners to ensure continuity of critical services. We hope Ethiopia's government will step up and lead in covering these essential services. We must act now to safeguard gains that have been made and succeed in securing sustainable support to people living with HIV." 

While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: without swift action, the hard-won progress in Ethiopia’s HIV response is at risk. 

GENEVA, 1 February 2025— The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is urging for a continuation of all essential HIV services while the United States pauses its funding for foreign aid.   

On 29 January, UNAIDS welcomed the news that United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had approved an “Emergency Humanitarian Waiver,” allowing people to continue accessing lifesaving HIV treatment funded by the U.S. in 55 countries worldwide. More than 20 million people - two-thirds of all people living with HIV accessing HIV treatment globally - are directly supported by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

While continuity of HIV treatment is essential, services must continue to be monitored, and oversight provided for quality. Other critical HIV services for people, especially marginalized people including children, women, and key populations, must continue. Last year, PEPFAR provided over 83.8 million people with critical HIV testing services; reached 2.3 million adolescent girls and young women with HIV prevention services; 6.6 million orphans, vulnerable children, and their caregivers received HIV care and support; and 2.5 million people were newly enrolled on pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection.

Since PEPFAR was created, the United States has been steadfast in its leadership in the fight against HIV. The U.S. has saved millions of lives through its programmes, particularly in the countries most affected by HIV. PEPFAR has had remarkable results in stopping new infections and expanding access to HIV treatment – and this must continue.

Globally, there are 1.3 million people that are newly infected with HIV every year, 3,500 every day. Young women and girls in Africa are at alarming high risk of HIV, where 3,100 young women and girls aged 15 to 24 years become infected with HIV every week and at least half of all people from key populations are not being reached with prevention services.

Pregnant women in high HIV prevalent areas must be tested for HIV to determine whether they are living with HIV so they can protect their baby by taking antiretroviral therapy prior to birth. As a result, babies will be born HIV-free. 

Many organizations providing services for people living with HIV that are funded, or partly funded, by PEPFAR have reported they will shut their doors due to the funding pause with lack of clarity and great uncertainty about the future. UNAIDS is evaluating the impact and will provide routine and real-time updates to share the latest global and country information, data, guidance, and references.

“PEPFAR gave us hope and now the executive order is shattering the very hope it offered for all people living with HIV and our families.  As communities we are in shock with the continued closure of clinics. We resolutely demand that all our governments come in haste to fill the gap in human resources needed at the moment to ensure sustainability of HIV service delivery,” said Flavia Kyomukama, Executive Director at National Forum of People Living with HIV Network Uganda (NAFOPHANU).

Zimbabwe`s umbrella network of people living with HIV (ZNNP+) stated that the implementation of stop work orders has led to significant fears, including reduced access to essential services, loss of community trust and long-term health outcomes.

 As the waiver is effective for a review period of all U.S. foreign development assistance, future coverage of HIV services - including for treatment - remains unclear and the lives of the millions of people supported by PEPFAR are in jeopardy and could be at stake.

Anele Yawa, General Secretary for the Treatment Action Campaign is worried. "The PEPFAR-fund freeze will take South Africa and the world back in terms of the gains we have made in our response to HIV,” he said. "We are asking ourselves how are we going to cope in the next three months as people are going to be left behind in terms of prevention, treatment and care."

At a moment when the world can finally get the upper hand on one of the world’s deadliest pandemics, aided by new long-acting HIV prevention and treatment medicines coming to market this year, UNAIDS urges the U.S. to continue its unparalleled leadership and accelerate, not diminish, efforts to end AIDS.

UNAIDS looks forward to partnering with the United States, other donors and countries most affected by HIV to ensure a robust and sustainable response to HIV and to achieve our collective goal of ending 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.

GENEVA, 22 January 2025—UNAIDS congratulates President Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States of America has the opportunity to accelerate the global HIV response and end AIDS by 2030,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. 

During President Trump’s first administration, he demonstrated strong leadership in the fight against AIDS by launching the groundbreaking initiative Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US and reaffirming the United States of America's steadfast commitment to the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (Global Fund), and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). 

For more than two decades, the United States Government has led in the global HIV response, saving more than 26 million lives. The country's unwavering commitment to addressing HIV stands as a global gold standard of leadership.

Since the start of the AIDS pandemic, innovations led by the United States in HIV prevention and treatment technologies have saved millions of lives around the world.

Today, we are on the brink of ending AIDS thanks to advances in developing long-acting medicines which both prevent and treat HIV. These new medicines give us a real shot at ending AIDS with the United States of America at the forefront. UNAIDS is poised and ready to work side by side with the new Administration to save millions of lives by bringing these new medicines swiftly to scale.

The United States Government’s partnership with UNAIDS remains an indispensable force for progress and accountability in the global HIV response. UNAIDS looks forward to further strengthening its collaboration with the United States to achieve our shared goal of ending AIDS.

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, 15 October 2024—The Spanish government has today announced a further € 1 million contribution to UNAIDS to support its work to end AIDS by 2030 as part of Sustainable Development Goals. The announcement was made following a meeting between Spain’s Minister of Health Mónica García Gómez and the Executive Director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima in the country’s capital Madrid.

“We warmly welcome Spain’s commitment to ending AIDS,” said Ms Byanyima. “We are at a critical moment in the response to HIV, and the path global leaders take this year will determine whether the pandemic continues indefinitely or we end AIDS by 2030. Spain’s solidarity with UNAIDS and the global AIDS response, and its commitment to tackling stigma and discrimination, is testament to their determination to get the world on track to end AIDS and save millions of lives. Spain has set an example for the rest of the world.”

Spain is a long-standing champion of the right to health. During the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2023, Spain made the fight against stigma and discrimination associated with HIV a political priority. Spain also joined the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate all forms of HIV-related Sigma and Discrimination and is moving forward with its implementation plan to eliminate stigma in health, workplace and education settings.

UNAIDS looks forward to continuing to strengthen its partnership with Spain to advance progress towards global targets, and to build a robust and rights-based response to end AIDS by 2030 and sustain the gains into the future.

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, 27 September 2024—At the 79^th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) and the Summit of the Future in New York, global leaders called for the revitalization of multilateralism to address pressing global crises, drawing on the success of the global AIDS response as a model of hope and global solidarity.

"Multilateralism is not a theory – it is the way we save lives and keep the world secure,” Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, told the General Assembly. “When leaders work together for a common mission – anything is possible.”

At a special event convened by UNAIDS, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria on 24 September 2024, leaders from governments, communities, business, and international organizations all testified to how multilateralism had driven the extraordinary gains made in the fight against AIDS, and how the path to addressing other global challenges had been illuminated by the global HIV response.

“The AIDS response shows what is achievable when leaders unite, when communities are empowered, when inequalities are tackled, when human rights are protected and when science-based policy is backed by political will,” said United Nations Deputy General-Secretary, Amina Mohammed.

UNAIDS data shows that at the end of 2023, more than 30 million people were accessing life-saving HIV treatment, compared to just 7.7 million in 2010. The data also show that since 2010, AIDS-related deaths have been halved, and new HIV infections among children have been reduced by 62%.

Across the week of the UN General Assembly, leaders set out concrete commitments to ending AIDS by 2030. These include closing gaps in access to HIV prevention, treatment and care, ending stigma and discrimination, accelerating innovation and access to new HIV technologies, and mobilizing domestic and donor resources for the HIV response.

UNAIDS set out how ensuring the end of AIDS as a public health threat, and enabling the success of the Sustainable Development Goals, require bold action to tackle global inequalities. Ms Byanyima shone a light on the financing crisis which is choking sub-Saharan Africa, leaving health and HIV services chronically underfunded. "Public debt needs to be urgently reduced and domestic resource mobilization strengthened to fully fund the global HIV response and end AIDS by 2030," said Ms. Byanyima.

Two young HIV activists, Ibanomonde Ngema from South Africa and Jerop Limo from Kenya, supported by UNAIDS to meet leaders at the UN General Assembly, called on governments to work with young people as partners. "Young people are key to ending AIDS. Leaders need to listen to us and include us in policy-making to ensure the progress made is sustained," said Jerop Limo.

Watch Special Event: Revitalized Multilateralism: Recommitting to Ending AIDS Together

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.

Global leaders unite to recommit to ending AIDS during the 79^th United Nations General Assembly in New York

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 24 September 2024—The extraordinary advances made in the global HIV response are a success story of multilateralism. At the end of 2023, 30.7 million people out of a total of 39.9 million people living with HIV worldwide were on life-saving treatment — four times higher than the 7.7 million who were on treatment in 2010. Since 2010, AIDS-related deaths have been halved and new HIV infections among children have been reduced by 62%.

At a special event at the UN General Assembly, co-convened by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, leaders pledged to sustain and accelerate investments, political leadership and policy reforms that will continue the momentum needed to end AIDS and sustain progress beyond 2030.

UNAIDS data shows that the end of AIDS as a public health threat is achievable by 2030, if countries, communities and partners close the gaps holding back progress.

The United Nations Deputy General-Secretary, Amina Mohammed, said the AIDS movement stood out as a beacon of hope and resilience and thanked leaders for committing to end AIDS by 2030: “The AIDS response has been a powerful testament to what is achievable when leaders unite, when communities are empowered, when inequalities are tackled, human rights are protected and when science-based policy is backed by political will.”

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima told the leaders making commitments, “you have proven the power of global solidarity, you have shown that multilateralism is not a theory – it is the way we save lives and keep the world secure. Ending AIDS is a political and financial choice. Today I am confident that you will make it a reality.”

Jerop Limo, a young Kenyan activist living with HIV, reminded leaders about the life-changing impact of progress in the HIV response: “As world leaders, your achievement in the HIV response is not only measured in numbers. Those numbers are me.”

Countries, communities and partners from around the world shared renewed commitments, include ensuring HIV prevention and treatment reaches everyone in need; ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination; accelerating research and innovation; and mobilizing additional domestic resources for HIV to sustain the progress in the HIV response.

A selection of quotes from leaders

President George W. Bush, in a video message recorded for the event, emphasized the need for steadfast commitment to reach global goals:

“In 2003, my administration launched PEPFAR with bipartisan support from Congress. Nearly 22 years later, PEPFAR has saved more than 25 million lives, and more than 5 million babies have been born HIV free. We are on the verge of an AIDS-free generation but at this critical moment the people of Africa still need our support. We should be proud of PEPFAR’s tremendous successes, and we should keep going until the job is done.”

William Ruto, President of Kenya:

“The undeniable success and impact of Kenya’s response to HIV demonstrates the potential of strong partnership. I must emphasize that our steadfast commitment to multilateralism has been the cornerstone of these achievements, enabling us to implement high impact interventions that have saved lives.”

Russell Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini:

“The HIV response is our collective responsibility. Our journey is far from over and HIV/AIDS remains unfinished business. The 2030 target of ending AIDS as a public health threat may not be achieved unless we revitalize multilateralism and multisectoral approaches. Predictable and sustained funding for HIV/AIDS must be increased. Today I would like to take this opportunity to ask all stakeholders to recommit to supporting the HIV response.”

Terrance Michael Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis:

“It will be challenging for the Caribbean to maintain the gains we have made without the continued relationship with the international community. We have gained much but if we take our eyes off the ball we can lose much and what we have gained we should try not to lose. We cannot take our foot off the pedal but must continue to press until we get to the point where HIV/AIDS is no longer a public health crisis.”        

John Nkengasong, Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally:

“We cannot be tired in the fight against HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS will not be tired with us. It is here with us. On behalf of PEPFAR we are committed to sustaining people on life saving treatment. Second, we are committed to working in partnership with everyone here to ensure we close the inequity gaps.”

Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria:

“Two decades ago, AIDS was claiming millions of lives with devastating consequences for families and communities around the world. Together, we joined forces and rejected this injustice, forcing this disease into retreat. That remarkable progress we have made can be an inspiration for ending AIDS as a public health threat for good. It is a goal within our grasp. That requires reaching all people in need of HIV prevention and treatment services and breaking down all barriers to health services.”

Ms. Minata Cessouma Samate, African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development:

“There has been major progress in the last four decades of the AIDS response but to end AIDS this commitment must continue. On the African continent we need continued engagement and funding—for primary healthcare and to end AIDS. The AU commission is engaged but we need international support to ensure that everyone has access to quality HIV treatment and healthcare services and we need the transfer of technologies to be able to produce quality treatments on the continent. It is multilateralism that will allow us to end AIDS in Africa.”

Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health of South Africa:

“South Africa has the largest burden of HIV in the world with 7.8 million people living with HIV and 5.8 million are on antiretroviral treatment, and we are in the process of putting 2 million more people on treatment. With domestic financing and with solidarity from multilateralism we are very confident that we can end AIDS by 2030.”

Dr. Shrimati Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health of India:

“This platform emphasizes the multilateralism needed to achieve the SDG goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Breaking the silence and building synergies is the mantra of the government of India and we are committed to achieving the target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. It is imperative to consolidate the gains made in this journey. I’m confident that with our collective efforts and genuine partnerships, we can build a future towards a healthier world.”

Mr. Pierre Dimba Minister of Health of Côte d’ Ivoire, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage:

“Today’s focus on multilateralism is critical, because multilateralism has enabled important progress in the fight against AIDS. But the last few miles will be difficult because the challenges are many. We have put in place a plan, including a financing plan and have strengthened our surveillance systems and integrated health services which allows us to work more globally in our approach to HIV prevention, testing and treatment. But we need support from partners to strengthen our capacities and to allow us to benefit from new innovations so that our country isn’t left behind.”

Dame Emma Walmsley, Chief Executive Officer, GSK: 

“Our commitment to get ahead of HIV together and ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 is underpinned by three simple priorities. First, we believe in innovation, inspired by what matters most to the people that we serve. We are developing longer acting options exploring new types of innovative drugs that offer the option to treat at home and our focus on finding a cure is relentless. Secondly, we are committed to enabling access to our medicines, there is no point in innovation without it, regardless of who you are or where you live.  Lastly, and that is what this is all about here today, we get ahead of disease together with the power of partnership. Working across sectors we enable the fastest rollout of a child friendly treatment now available in 90 countries and our commitment to communities is unwavering.”

Daniel O'Day, Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences:

“Upon approval our intention is to make Lenacapavir available at no profit to Gilead in the countries where the need is greatest and until voluntary licensing partners can supply high-quality low-cost versions. We are working around the clock to finalize the direct voluntary licensing costs agreements that will facilitate rapid transfer of technology, allow Gilead to support licensees and getting up to speed quickly and help provide a robust network of manufacturers that is able to produce high volumes at competitive costs. It is my great hope and belief that we are on the brink of the next great advancement in the global fight to end HIV/AIDS.” 

Silas Holland, Executive Director, Infectious Disease and Neuroscience Policy, Merck:

"Since 1985, Merck has been engaged in research and development efforts that have led to significant discoveries transforming the way that HIV is treated. The company is committed to continuing to invest in all stages of R&D to discover, develop and enhance access to innovative HIV treatments and prevention options, as well as developing novel agents for a cure, aiming to improve the lives of people living with HIV. Merck remains committed to collaborative efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030."

Rev. Gibstar Makangila, Executive Director, Circle of Hope, and Faith Representative, Zambia: 

“Our commitment in the faith community and faith-based organizations is that by 2050 we expect 1 billion young people to be living in Africa. What are we going to do about that? What we propose is a new energy, a new engagement that is based on equity, love, tolerance and inclusiveness. As faith-community we are cognizant of the changing dynamics on the ground and therefore our commitment is that we will support all programmes based on an inescapable responsibility and also empathy, compassion, integrity, passion and ethics.” 

Ms. Youk Sambath, Secretary of State, Ministry of Health, Cambodia:  

“Cambodia has made huge progress in its national AIDS response. New HIV infections have been reduced by 46% and AIDS deaths by 36% from 2010 to 2023. Cambodia is one of seven countries worldwide to first reach the targets of 90-90-90 in 2017. I thank PEPFAR, the Global Fund, UN agencies and UNAIDS, without whom these results would not have been possible.” 

Ms. Laura Rissanen, State Secretary, Ministry of Social Security, Finland:

“Today we are still facing many challenges—the global HIV response is at a crossroads and there is no time to waste. The ambitious goal to end AIDS by 2030 as a public health threat can only be achieved by putting human rights and gender equality at the core of HIV response efforts. Finland is strongly committed to enhancing human rights, in particular the rights of women and girls, LGBTQI people, and people living with HIV. We therefore value and support the human rights advocacy efforts of UNAIDS. We must all continue to pull together in these difficult times to ensure that we will reach the finish line leaving no-one behind.”

Mr. George Ternes, Director General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Luxembourg:

“We have all the tools and knowledge. We have everything we need to end AIDS by 2030. The message is that Luxembourg will be there. You can count on our continued support. It is normal that at the end of a fight, you confront the most difficult task. Now there are some really critical ones and the stigma that keeps you from living a normal life in society because you are under treatment for HIV/AIDS – it’s still existing, it’s a major obstacle.” 

Ms. Carina Connellan, Director of the Multilateral Unit in the Development Cooperation and Africa Division, Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland:

“UNAIDS is a longstanding and highly valued partner of Ireland. Ireland is committed to HIV prevention, especially for those at risk including adolescent girls and young women. Health systems strengthening is a priority for Ireland and we know that effective collaboration among global health actors is vital for strong and resilient health systems. It is very important to acknowledge successes, but we know that significant challenges remain. Ireland’s focus will be very much on reaching those who are furthest behind first. Ireland will continue to be a close partner of UNAIDS, and we will work together with affected communities and all stakeholders to end AIDS.”

Mr. Jean Bernard Parenteau, DG for Health and Nutrition, Global Affairs Canada: 

“What really concerns us is the increased vulnerability of women and girls due to the stigma of accessing sexual and reproductive health services, which continues to threaten progress. This is one of the reasons that motivates Canada to commit to making the Global Fund replenishment a success. This also motives Canada to continue its 10-year commitment to global health and rights in the fight against AIDS. Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights are key to the AIDS response. With a feminist approach, a rights-based approach, Canada is committed to 2030 and beyond.”

Mr. Haoliang Xu, Associate Administrator, UNDP, on behalf of UNAIDS co-sponsors:

“The Summit of the Future is about the future of multilateralism, so this is the first concrete step to follow up on the implementation of the pact for the future. For HIV we know the job is not done. Every minute someone dies of AIDS and 1.3 million new HIV infections occur every year so there is a lot still to be done. The co-sponsors of UNAIDS commit to multilateralism and to ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030 and to sustain progress beyond 2030. We are committed to scaling up programmes to achieve results because HIV is about livelihoods, it’s about rights and it’s about dignity. We are committed to working effectively to achieve the task we set out to achieve.”  

The quotes shared above are only a sample from an event which featured commitments by dozens of leaders which are being compiled. UNAIDS will continue to update and share details.

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.