UNAids warns funding cuts and repressive laws risk HIV resurgence
11 reported
A new UNAids report warns that a funding crisis and increasing repression of human rights are making the resurgence of an HIV epidemic more likely. The annual number of new HIV infections and deaths from Aids-related causes are at record lows, but the report says there is a significant risk of resurgence without renewed commitment and action. Last year, 570,000 Aids-related deaths and 1.2 million new HIV infections were recorded. Amid an unprecedented fall in aid spending of about 23%, testing for HIV dropped sharply in 2025 in countries with the highest levels of the virus, with one programme seeing a 22% decline. Prevention services, including condom distribution and medication to protect against infection, were also hard hit by aid cuts. The report also found that the number of countries with new or more restrictive laws against same-sex relations has continued to increase, which it said risks undermining progress and pushing away people who need services most.
What’s reported
UNAids head Winnie Byanyima called the disruption the biggest since the global HIV response was put together.
Last year there were 570,000 Aids-related deaths and 1.2 million new HIV infections.
Aid spending fell by about 23%, and HIV testing dropped sharply in 2025 in high-prevalence countries.
In one programme, testing fell by 22% compared to the previous year.
Prevention services received only 11% of HIV spending in low- and middle-income countries in 2024, and that money is now disappearing.
New domestic funding did not match the scale of what was lost and tends to be spent on treatment rather than prevention.
The number of countries with new or more restrictive laws against same-sex relations has continued to increase.
Byanyima cited Uganda’s “sovereignty bill” as an example of a law that restricts external funding for civil society groups.
A survey of 79 community-led organisations across 47 countries found an 85% reduction in services for men who have sex with men and an 82% reduction for sex workers.
UNAids has been hit by Trump administration funding cuts, and the UN secretary general has proposed the agency be “sunset” by the end of this year.
Byanyima said a working group will present proposals to the UNAids board in October, foreseeing a smaller joint programme.
Key figures
Winnie Byanyima, head of UNAids
UN secretary general (not named in article)
Sources: The Guardian
