By Bunmi Yekini
Civil society organizations and community networks in Nigeria have raised strong objections to a proposal under the UN80 Initiative recommending the “sunsetting” of UNAIDS by 2026, calling the move dangerous and a betrayal of communities still living with HIV.
In a joint statement, the Coalition of Community Networks and Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria said dismantling UNAIDS at this point would “reverse hard-won gains, undermine donor confidence, and send a chilling message to millions still grappling with the epidemic.”
“We view the attempt to dismantle the UN agency dedicated to the global HIV/AIDS response as ill-timed and a profound departure from the UN’s commitment to millions of lives worldwide,” the coalition stated.
While acknowledging the need for reform within the UN system, the groups stressed that UNAIDS remains the only UN body that places communities and civil society at the center of its mandate. They argued that removing it would “betray the very people it was created to serve, especially women, young people, and key populations living with HIV.”
The coalition further questioned the rationale behind the proposal, asking:
- Who will assume the leadership role in coordinating the global HIV response?
- Has the UN abandoned its pledge to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030?
- Won’t this move undermine global targets and progress already made?
“AIDS is not over. The global AIDS response has faced setbacks in recent years, and it requires deliberate, concerted efforts to achieve the SDG target of ending AIDS by 2030,” the groups warned.
The statement was endorsed by leading networks, including the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Nigeria Key Population Health and Rights Network (NKPHRN), International Community of Women Living with HIV- West Africa (ICW-WA), Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), Association of Positive Youth Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (APYIN), and the Civil Society Network for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (CiSHAN).
Calling on the UN Secretary-General and member states to reject the proposal, the coalition urged instead for a strengthened mandate for UNAIDS.
“We stand ready to engage with the UN and member states to co-create solutions that preserve UNAIDS’ legacy and ensure no one is left behind,” the statement concluded.