New Delhi/Geneva HL June 24, 2026
In a major step toward strengthening the global fight against HIV/AIDS, United Nations Member States have overwhelmingly adopted a new Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS, reaffirming their commitment to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The declaration was approved at the conclusion of the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS held in Geneva on June 23.
The declaration outlines an ambitious roadmap for the next five years, setting new global targets to expand HIV testing, treatment and prevention while addressing funding gaps, protecting human rights and ensuring equitable access to life-saving medicines and technologies.
The High-Level Meeting, convened by President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, brought together governments, people living with HIV, civil society organisations, scientists, community leaders and private sector representatives to assess progress made against the epidemic and identify priorities for the future.
Roadmap for the Next Five Years
The 2026 Political Declaration aligns with the Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031 and commits Member States to review progress through another High-Level Meeting in 2031.
The declaration focuses on strengthening national leadership, securing sustainable financing, integrating HIV services into universal health coverage, expanding prevention programmes and increasing community participation in the global HIV response.
Countries also pledged to strengthen local production of HIV medicines and health technologies while supporting research aimed at developing an effective HIV vaccine and, ultimately, a cure.
Renewed Focus on 95-95-95 Targets
A central pillar of the declaration is achieving the globally recognised 95-95-95 targets by 2030. Under these goals:
At least 95% of people living with HIV should know their HIV status.
At least 95% of those diagnosed should receive antiretroviral treatment.
At least 95% of people on treatment should achieve viral suppression, significantly reducing illness and preventing further transmission.
The declaration also calls for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, ending paediatric AIDS and ensuring HIV care is fully integrated into maternal and child health services.
Human Rights and Community Leadership
Recognising that stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to HIV prevention and treatment, Member States committed to promoting gender equality, protecting human rights and removing restrictive legal and social barriers that prevent vulnerable populations from accessing healthcare.
The declaration further emphasises expanding the role of communities and civil society organisations in designing, delivering and monitoring HIV services, ensuring that people living with or affected by HIV remain at the centre of decision-making.
HIV Remains a Global Health Challenge
Despite decades of progress, HIV continues to pose a significant global public health challenge. The virus attacks the body’s immune system by destroying CD4 cells, leaving infected individuals vulnerable to serious infections and certain cancers if left untreated.
According to global estimates, HIV has claimed more than 42 million lives since the epidemic began. Although there is currently no cure, modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives by suppressing the virus and strengthening the immune system.
HIV spreads through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk, including from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. It is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or kissing.
With the adoption of the new Political Declaration, the United Nations has reaffirmed that ending AIDS by 2030 remains an achievable global goal, provided countries sustain political commitment, strengthen healthcare systems, invest adequate resources and ensure that no community is left behind.
