The United Nations agency for tackling HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) may cease operations by the end of 2026. According to Reuters, citing internal UN documents, the potential closure is being considered as part of a broader UN restructuring prompted by a funding crisis.
The plan envisions integrating UNAIDS expertise into other UN departments as early as next year. Among the proposals submitted for review by member states is the gradual winding down of the agency’s work.
In a statement, UNAIDS said it has already prepared a transition plan, which includes a 55% staff reduction in the short term and a review of its operations in 2027. This could eventually result in the complete closure of the organization.
The funding crisis emerged against the backdrop of reduced U.S. foreign aid during Donald Trump’s presidency, which significantly affected humanitarian agencies.
UNAIDS has been operating since 1996 and has played a key role in the global response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Since the first cases were identified more than 40 years ago, 88 million people have been infected and 42 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses, according to the organization.
Over the past decade, mortality has dropped significantly: from 1.3 million deaths in 2010 to 630,000 in 2023. However, experts warn that nearly 25% of people living with HIV still lack access to treatment, while new infections continue to rise in some regions.
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