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.