UNAIDS coordinates global action to end AIDS, shaping policy, funding, and accountability across nations and partners.
The United States has begun a phased drawdown of PEPFAR in South Africa, citing policy disagreements and a belief that South Africa can sustain its HIV programs. Pretoria says it will continue treatment with domestic funding, while UN meetings seek clarity on future donor support.
The Independent has documented a surge in LGBTQ+-targeted violence in Nigeria, where gangs entrap, extort, and torture individuals on camera for ransom. As aid cuts bite, clinics and shelters are collapsing, threatening life-saving HIV treatment for survivors. The documentary features testimonies from survivors and advocates, highlighting a humanitarian crisis intensified by policy shifts.
Funding for HIV programs has declined sharply, pressuring prevention and community health services while treatment remains more stable. US policy changes and broader donor pullbacks have led to thousands of clinic closures and tens of thousands of job losses, with warnings of longer-term risks to the epidemic.
Donor contributions to HIV programmes have declined, with the 2025 funding level the lowest since 2007. The US remains the largest donor but has reduced its support, while total resources for HIV response have fallen 18% across all sources. UNAIDS warns that declining funding could jeopardise gains in prevention and treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Besigye has collapsed in court amid protests over representation; he is unconscious and in critical condition in Mulago ICU. Authorities face calls for transparency, access to medical care, and updates from the judiciary and prisons service.
At AIDS 2026 in Rio, a State Department slide showing Africa mislabels countries, carrying an AI watermark. Reuters and others report the error, with the State Department taking responsibility. The issue comes as donor funding for global HIV programs has fallen, prompting questions about sustained commitments and effective aid delivery.
An international trial shows weekly HIV medication is as effective as daily doses, potentially reducing stigma and treatment burden. In Ghana, authorities reassure continued ARV availability amid distribution concerns. Nigerian and Ugandan health updates highlight high suppression rates and ongoing prevention efforts.
Namibia has reached an agreement with the United States to phase out the US-AIDS funding for HIV programs starting in 2027, with Namibia taking over financing through a technical cooperation model as the US reduces its aid. The deal follows Namibia’s rejection of the US data-sharing provisions and surpasses UNAIDS targets on testing and treatment. The transition will integrate HIV response into Namibia’s national health system.
Fiji has announced a national health emergency as HIV infections rise sharply. In 2025, 2,016 people were diagnosed and about 9,100 were living with HIV. The government plans expanded free testing, treatment, PrEP and needle-exchange programs to combat the outbreak, with UNAIDS warning AIDS is not over.