UNAIDS board rejects sunsetting of UNAIDS

Simon Collins, HIV i-Base

On 26 October 2026, UNAIDS issued a press release announcing that the organisation has reversed an earlier decision to wind down the organisation. [1, 2]

This will enable global health programmes to continue to see HIV as distinct crisis, especially given the reductions in international donor funding. The proposal to close UNAIDS was widely challenged by HIV activists globally.

The press release states that “UNAIDS will not be sunset, and the UN’s mandate on HIV continues”.

The UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) has reaffirmed strong support for a continued, streamlined and efficient UNAIDS Joint Programme. Board members were unanimous that its transformation must protect people and communities living with, at risk and affected by HIV, and ensure governments and communities sustain and enhance the gains of the AIDS response.

In her remarks, Executive Director Winnie Byanyima captured the significance of the decision, “You have rejected the sunsetting of UNAIDS and chosen instead to transform and strengthen this unique Joint Programme. I thank programme countries, donors, civil society and activists who stood firm and fought for the future of UNAIDS. Saving the Joint Programme is only the beginning. Now we must transform it and get that transformation right.”

Reference

UN80 plans to dismantle UNAIDS by 2026: sign-on against this now. (20 September 2025)
https://i-base.info/un80-plans-to-dismantle-unaids-by-2026-sign-on-against-this-now/