The 1st of December marks World AIDS Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness of the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has joined partners and communities around the globe to reflect on the theme: “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”
It is estimated that 40.8 million people are currently living with HIV (PLHIV) worldwide. Although HIV is now considered a chronic, treatable infection, progress is under threat due to funding shortfalls. A recent UNAIDS report highlighted a sharp decline in funding over the past year, leading to severe disruption in HIV treatment pathways, particularly in fragile settings.
Funding Challenges and Global Impact
The announcement comes as UNAIDS warns that an additional 3.3 million new HIV infections could potentially emerge over the next five years if current trends continue. The deprioritization of HIV treatment in community-led regions is becoming a critical issue, with prevention programs especially strained, and some dismantled entirely.
The loss of initiatives for young women has heightened vulnerability, while stigma, discrimination, punitive laws, and the lack of community-based services continue to present major barriers to prevention, testing, and care. Most HIV programs rely heavily on external funding. Without urgent action, infection rates are expected to rise, and health systems will face greater strain.
Strategies for a Sustainable Response
To address this, countries need to increase investment in HIV treatment programs, develop innovative service delivery models, expand prevention and harm reduction initiatives, strengthen community engagement, and improve surveillance and monitoring of HIV responses. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, has implored the public to keep fighting for HIV to remain front and center, emphasizing:
“The funding crisis has exposed the fragility of the progress we fought so hard to achieve. We know what works—we have the science, tools, and proven strategies… what we need now is political courage. Investing in communities, in prevention, in innovation, and in protecting human rights as the path to end AIDS.”
The Role of Healthcare Professionals
Nurses and midwives have always been on the frontline of the AIDS response, advocating with affected communities to deliver the change required to tackle the infection. Historian Geraldine Fela notes in her book Critical Care: Nurses on the Frontline of the AIDS Crisis:
“What really struck me was that during the AIDS crisis, nurses and their unions and affected communities fought for and won an approach to infection control and approach to public health in general. By having that collaborative bottom-up approach, trust was built and often in very marginal communities.”
This advocacy has never wavered, and the professions continue to push for improved care and investment, in line with evidence-based practice.
Looking Forward
The move represents a critical juncture in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. As the world reflects on the progress made and the challenges ahead, it is clear that a renewed commitment to funding and innovative strategies is essential. The international community must prioritize the fight against HIV/AIDS, ensuring that the progress achieved over decades is not undone.
With increased investment and a focus on community-driven solutions, there is hope that the global response can be transformed to meet the needs of those living with HIV and prevent new infections. The path forward will require collaboration, courage, and a steadfast commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic once and for all.
