The United Nations has adopted the 2026 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, setting new global priorities, targets and actions to accelerate progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The declaration was agreed during the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS held on 22–23 June 2026 in New York. It was adopted by an overwhelming majority of Member States, with 149 countries voting in favour.
The new declaration aligns with the Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031 and introduces ambitious targets aimed at reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths worldwide. Global commitments include expanding access to life-saving HIV treatment, increasing viral suppression and scaling up HIV prevention services.
Countries have reaffirmed the 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure that people living with HIV know their status, receive treatment and achieve viral suppression by 2030. The agreement also sets new milestones for reaching millions of people with HIV treatment and antiretroviral-based prevention options.
The declaration places stronger emphasis on people-centred HIV prevention and services for communities most affected by HIV. It highlights the importance of expanding access to prevention tools such as condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis and harm reduction services.
Member States have renewed commitments to protect human rights, promote gender equality and address stigma, discrimination and barriers that continue to affect people living with or at risk of HIV. The declaration recognizes that ending AIDS will require meaningful involvement and empowerment of affected communities.
A major focus of the agreement is sustainable HIV financing, with a global commitment to mobilize US$21.9 billion annually by 2030 for HIV programmes in low- and middle-income countries. The declaration calls for stronger domestic investment, continued international support and reduced financial barriers to healthcare access.
The agreement also supports improved access to affordable HIV medicines, diagnostics and health technologies while encouraging innovation in areas such as long-acting treatments, vaccine research and the search for an HIV cure.
Community leadership remains central to the future of the HIV response, with the declaration recognizing the role of communities in delivering services, monitoring progress and improving accountability. Countries have committed to strengthening data systems and reporting progress to track global efforts.
The 2026 Political Declaration marks a renewed global commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. If fully implemented, the commitments could prevent millions of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths while accelerating progress towards a healthier and more equitable future.
