Global HIV funding falls as UN warns AIDS progress is at risk

The United Nations has warned that the global fight against HIV is losing momentum after international funding dropped sharply. Health officials said the funding cuts could reverse years of progress unless governments increase financial support and improve access to treatment.

The warning came during the opening of the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro, where experts, researchers and policymakers are discussing the future of HIV prevention and treatment.

According to a new UNAIDS report, international funding for HIV programs in developing countries fell 18% in 2025, marking one of the biggest annual declines in decades.

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director Angeli Achrekar said the global response to HIV is weakening because of reduced financial support. “If we do not work together as we have in the past, we could see the virus return in many communities,” she warned.

The report said funding cuts followed major reductions in foreign aid by the United States after President Donald Trump returned to office. Several European countries, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, also reduced overseas development spending.

Since 2011, financial support from European countries for HIV programs has fallen by 58%. Even after recent aid cuts, the United States still provides 74% of all government donor funding for HIV programs worldwide.

Many developing countries are increasing their own spending. Domestic funding rose 4% last year and now covers 60% of total HIV financing. However, UNAIDS said local investments alone are not enough to replace lost international support.

Several African countries remain heavily dependent on foreign aid. The report said some low income nations rely on international assistance for up to 90% of their HIV response.

Despite financial challenges, the report noted some positive developments. New HIV infections and AIDS related deaths reached their lowest levels in more than three decades during 2025. However, new HIV cases increased in 21 countries, showing that the epidemic remains a serious public health concern.

Health officials also highlighted the importance of expanding access to new HIV medicines. They urged pharmaceutical companies to make innovative treatments more affordable for lower income countries.

Merck recently announced plans to allow selected manufacturers in Africa and India to produce cheaper generic versions of its monthly HIV treatment pill, alimatravir, once regulatory approval is granted.

Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders urged Gilead Sciences to expand access to lenacapavir, a long acting HIV prevention drug that requires only two injections per year. The organization said the medicine could be produced for about $40 per person annually, while its current U.S. price reaches nearly $28,000 per patient each year.

UNAIDS said stronger global cooperation and sustained investment remain essential to achieve the United Nations’ goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.