UN Proposes Closing UNAIDS In 2026 As Funding Cuts Bite

UN Proposes Closing UNAIDS In 2026 As Funding Cuts Bite

UNAIDS has been operational since 1996.

According to a United Nations document published online, the UN agency dedicated to combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic could cease operations by the end of next year as part of the UN's restructuring efforts amid financial constraints.

The document released on Thursday indicates that UNAIDS will "sunset" by the conclusion of 2026. This forms part of a broader set of proposals from the UN to member states pending their approval. The document further suggests that UNAIDS' specialized knowledge should be integrated into the wider UN framework during the subsequent year.

The United Nations is undergoing consolidation as it manages the consequences of American foreign aid reductions implemented under President Donald Trump's administration, which have severely impacted humanitarian organizations.

In response to the document, UNAIDS issued a statement confirming it already has a transition strategy in place that includes a 55% reduction in workforce in the immediate term and a planned assessment in 2027 that would ultimately result in its closure.

The organization noted that any expedited timeline as outlined in the UN document, which was prepared by the Secretary General, would require approval from the UNAIDS governing board.

UNAIDS began its work in 1996. Since HIV was first identified more than four decades ago, 88 million individuals have contracted the virus and 42 million have died from AIDS-related conditions, according to the agency.

The organization reported that the introduction of new life-saving treatments and improved healthcare access has reduced AIDS-related mortality from 1.3 million in 2010 to 630,000 in 2023. However, it cautioned that nearly one-quarter of people living with HIV still lack access to these treatments, and new infections are increasing in certain regions.

"AIDS is not over; the global AIDS response has been upended in recent months," stated UNAIDS, emphasizing that considerable work remains if the world aims to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.