Brasília, July 28: The United Nations agency UNAIDS has released a concerning report regarding HIV/AIDS, warning the world to take heed. According to the agency, a significant drop in financial support has heightened the risk of HIV outbreaks. In a 60-page report issued on Monday, UNAIDS stated that without immediate global commitment and collaboration, the achievements made over the past decades could be jeopardized.
The report highlights that international funding for HIV prevention fell by 18% in 2025, dropping to $7.3 billion, marking the lowest level in nearly two decades. This decline could reverse the trend of decreasing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.
UNAIDS noted that after President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, the U.S. temporarily halted funding for all HIV-related programs. Although life-saving treatment funding was restored shortly after, funding for most projects was limited. Previously, the U.S. contributed approximately 75% of global HIV funding.
The report indicates that the international community is currently facing political and financial instability, putting decades of progress against HIV at risk. The agency reiterated that the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030 now seems to be derailing. In addition to the funding cuts, health crises like Ebola have also impacted efforts in this area. Last year, around 1.2 million people worldwide were infected with HIV.
While some countries have partially compensated for the reduction in foreign aid by increasing domestic health budgets, a 6% decline in total HIV resources was still recorded. However, not all countries can afford such measures, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly half of the new infections occur globally.
According to national data from Cameroon, Nigeria, and Zambia, the number of individuals receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has decreased by over 50%.
UNAIDS stated that the funding obstacles have severely affected HIV prevention, testing, and community-based health services, which play a crucial role in reaching those at the highest risk of infection.
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