Global health experts have warned that the fight against HIV is entering a critical period as declining international funding threatens prevention and treatment services, even while new scientific breakthroughs are bringing the world closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat.
The warning emerged from the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026), where scientists, policymakers, healthcare professionals and civil society leaders gathered to assess the future of HIV prevention, treatment and care amid growing financial and geopolitical pressures.
One of the biggest concerns raised at the conference was the impact of recent cuts to international HIV funding. Research presented at the event showed that changes affecting United States-funded HIV programmes have contributed to the closure of more than 1,700 HIV clinics and service delivery sites across 46 countries, resulting in the loss of thousands of healthcare jobs.
Delegates reported that several African countries are already experiencing significant declines in HIV prevention services, including reduced access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), voluntary medical male circumcision and condom distribution.
Nigeria was identified as one of the countries facing serious setbacks. According to data presented at the conference, HIV prevention services for key populations reached 50.5 per cent fewer people between the first and second quarters of 2025. HIV self-testing fell by 70.2 per cent, while PrEP initiation among key populations dropped by 83 per cent.
Experts at the conference argued that the funding crisis has exposed the dangers of relying too heavily on a single donor. They called for stronger domestic financing, South-South collaboration, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, community leadership and innovative funding mechanisms to ensure the continuity of HIV services.
Despite the funding concerns, researchers presented significant advances in HIV prevention and treatment. New evidence showed that twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir continues to demonstrate very high effectiveness and strong user acceptance, with about 95 per cent of participants choosing to remain on the long-acting injection rather than daily oral medication.
Scientists also reported encouraging results for a once-weekly oral HIV treatment combining islatravir and lenacapavir. Phase 3 trials involving more than 1,200 people living with HIV found the regimen to be effective and well tolerated. If approved, the treatment could reduce the burden of taking daily medication for millions of patients worldwide.
The conference further highlighted progress toward an HIV cure and vaccine development. Researchers announced two additional patients in sustained HIV remission following stem-cell transplants, bringing the number of documented long-term remission cases to 13. Promising vaccine studies also showed the ability to redirect immune responses toward protective targets and significantly reduce HIV infection in animal models, opening the door for future human trials.
Delegates concluded that scientific innovation alone will not be enough to end the epidemic. They stressed that new HIV medicines must become affordable and accessible to low- and middle-income countries, particularly in regions where the burden of HIV remains highest.
