‘Outrageous’ backroom deals put progress fighting AIDS at risk, campaigners warn

Campaigners say proposed UK funding cuts and a possible restructuring of UNAIDS could weaken the global response to HIV and put progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 at risk. They argue the agency still needs a presence in affected countries to help governments and communities adapt to reduced aid and a difficult geopolitical climate.

UNAIDS has lost more than half its staff since 2025 following global aid cuts, mainly from the US, and its board is due to discuss its future role, staffing and budget. The UK gave it $5.5 million (£4.2 million) in 2026 and plans £1 million for 2027; proposed annual budgets range from $35 million to $90 million, compared with a current core budget of $63 million. HIV response funding in low- and middle-income countries fell by $2.1 billion in 2025, to $6.2 billion, its lowest level since 2007.