By Bunmi Yekini
Geneva, Switzerland – The 56th meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) concluded this week amid deep concerns over sudden and severe cuts to international HIV funding, threatening progress in the global AIDS response.
“We are seeing a massive interruption in international HIV financing which has created a systemic shock to the global HIV response, triggering huge disruptions to HIV treatment and prevention programmes around the world,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “However, our Joint Programme was created in crisis, it is in our DNA to face crisis and to fight our way out of crisis. We do not give up, we continue to stand with governments and communities as they commit to finish the fight to end AIDS.”
At a time of heightened urgency, board members endorsed UNAIDS’ new operating model, focused on four core functions: leadership and advocacy, global coordination, accountability through data and strategy, and community engagement. These pillars will guide the transformation of the UNAIDS Secretariat and support its ongoing restructuring efforts.
“UNAIDS has been at the centre of shaping programmes and policies for people living with HIV just like myself,” said Martha Clara Nakato, a civil society representative from Africa. “The work of UNAIDS is irreplaceable… Let’s all rally behind the Joint Programme and support its continuity.”
Despite financial pressures, many countries reaffirmed or increased their support to UNAIDS. Notably, Belgium committed €12 million through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding for 2025–2028. “Belgium is proud to be renewing its multi-year agreement with UNAIDS… We will remain a committed partner in global health,” said H.E. Mr. Christophe Payot, Belgium’s Permanent Representative to the UN.
Germany confirmed a new €2 million contribution for 2025 and an additional €500,000 to support staffing transitions. “The financial situation of the Joint Programme is dire and risks undermining UNAIDS’ crucial work in the global HIV response,” said Paul Zubeil, Germany’s Deputy Director-General for International Health Politics.
Several nations, Portugal, Spain, and Poland, also announced increases in their contributions. Ms Byanyima extended gratitude to long-standing donors including the Netherlands, Denmark, Australia, Ireland, Canada, China, Luxembourg, the UK, and Japan.
“The contributions of all of our donors, whether it is core support or extrabudgetary support, provided in the past or present is precious and critical to our success,” said Ms Byanyima.
The meeting also reviewed the outline of the upcoming Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031, which will be adopted in December 2025 and help shape the 2026 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AIDS.
The 57th PCB meeting will take place in Brasília, Brazil from 16–18 December 2025.