The global fight against HIV/AIDS stands at a defining moment, with the United Nations warning that steep funding cuts and growing attacks on human rights could reverse decades of gains and derail the target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

As world leaders convened at the UN High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS in New York, UNAIDS warned that the world is dangerously close to losing momentum in one of modern public health’s greatest success stories. The meeting is expected to produce a new Political Declaration to guide the global response over the next five years.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima called the gathering a pivotal opportunity. “This Political Declaration is our chance to build on 25 years of commitment and point the way to 2030 to show that multilateralism can deliver,” she said.

New UNAIDS data show AIDS related deaths have fallen 56 per cent since 2010 and new infections 43 per cent globally, with more than 32 million people now on treatment. But nearly nine million people living with HIV remain untreated, while global development assistance for health fell 23 per cent in 2025, the sharpest decline ever recorded.

In some high burden countries, HIV testing dropped 22 per cent between 2024 and 2025, while funding for condom supplies was slashed by more than 90 per cent. UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed called on governments to rally around science, dignity and solidarity.

For Africa, home to the largest population of people living with HIV, the decisions in New York could prove decisive. AIDS advocate Sandra Thurman urged leaders not to quit. “The world has come too far. The stakes are too high. Now is not the time to quit. It is time to finish the job,” she said.