A coalition comprising Nigerian community networks and civil society organizations (CSOs) has issued a strong denunciation of a United Nations proposal to discontinue the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) by the close of 2026. They caution that this decision risks undoing decades of significant advancements in combating HIV.
This alliance, representing diverse groups including csos-warn-against-non-inclusive-governance/” title=”2027: … Warn Against Non-inclusive Governance”>people living with HIV, women, youth, and key populations, criticized the proposal-part of the UN80 reform agenda-as “poorly timed, dangerously myopic, and a profound betrayal of those affected by HIV.”
Although global rates of new HIV infections and AIDS-related fatalities have decreased over recent years, the coalition stressed that the epidemic remains a pressing challenge. They warned that dissolving UNAIDS would erode international cooperation, diminish donor trust-including crucial backing from partners like PEPFAR and the Global Fund-and jeopardize progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
“UNAIDS is unique among UN agencies in centering communities and civil society within its core mission. To dismantle it would be to abandon the very populations it was established to support, particularly women, young people, and key populations who rely on its leadership, advocacy, and convening influence,” the coalition stated in a unified declaration.
The coalition also highlighted unresolved issues stemming from the proposal, such as which entity would assume the vital role of coordinating the global HIV response and whether the UN is retreating from its enduring commitment to eradicating AIDS.
They called for immediate action, urging the UN Secretary-General and Member States to reject the plan, reinforce UNAIDS’ mandate, and safeguard the HIV response’s integrity within the broader UN reform framework.
“We are prepared to collaborate with the UN and Member States to develop solutions that honor UNAIDS’ legacy and guarantee that no one is excluded,” the statement affirmed.
This appeal has been endorsed by six prominent organizations: 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).
