The global fight against HIV stands at a defining moment. While scientific breakthroughs are bringing the world closer than ever to ending AIDS as a public health threat, shrinking international funding and shifting geopolitical priorities are placing decades of progress at risk.
That was the central message from the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026), where researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, community leaders and development partners spent six days examining the future of the global HIV response against what organizers described as a "tumultuous funding and geopolitical backdrop."
Participants agreed that although science continues to deliver promising innovations, those advances will only translate into lives saved if countries and development partners act decisively to protect HIV services and ensure equitable access to care.
Funding cuts threaten hard-won gains
One of the strongest messages to emerge from the conference was the growing impact of reduced donor funding on HIV programmes worldwide.
Researchers presented evidence showing that severe funding disruptions have already resulted in clinic closures, reductions in the healthcare workforce and significant declines in HIV prevention, testing and treatment services in several countries.
Delegates warned that without urgent action, vulnerable populations—including women, children, adolescents and key populations—could bear the greatest burden of interrupted healthcare services.
New partnerships needed to sustain the HIV response
The conference also highlighted concerns over the heavy dependence of the global HIV response on a single major donor.
Participants called for stronger political leadership and a new generation of partnerships that broaden both financing and ownership of HIV programmes. According to discussions at the conference, diversifying funding sources and strengthening domestic investment will be critical to sustaining progress in the years ahead.
Scientific progress offers renewed hope
Despite concerns over funding, AIDS 2026 showcased remarkable scientific advances that continue to reshape HIV prevention and treatment.
Researchers reported encouraging results for long-acting HIV prevention, with participants in clinical trials overwhelmingly choosing to continue using twice-yearly lenacapavir. Delegates said the findings reinforce the importance of expanding prevention options while ensuring that new medicines are accessible to everyone who needs them.
Another significant milestone came from the presentation of Phase 3 ISLEND trial results, which showed that a once-weekly oral HIV treatment combining islatravir and lenacapavir was both effective and well tolerated among people whose HIV was already under control.
Scientists also shared new findings on HIV remission, immune responses and broadly neutralizing antibodies, advancing global efforts toward the long-term goal of finding a cure.
Progress in HIV vaccine research also featured prominently, with researchers presenting innovative approaches designed to strengthen immune responses and support future human trials.
Technology transforming healthcare delivery
Digital innovation emerged as another major theme throughout the conference.
Examples presented included the use of artificial intelligence to support HIV self-testing in China and drone technology delivering HIV medicines to remote communities in Nigeria. Delegates said these innovations demonstrate how technology can improve early diagnosis, expand access to treatment and strengthen health service delivery when implemented responsibly.
Children and communities remain central
While new treatment advances for children and adolescents generated optimism, delegates expressed concern that funding reductions could undermine years of progress in pediatric HIV care.
Across multiple sessions, speakers also emphasized that community-led programmes continue to deliver better health outcomes, strengthen accountability and reduce HIV-related stigma. Participants stressed that sustained investment in community organizations remains essential for an effective HIV response.
Integration and human rights key to future success
Another recurring theme was the importance of integrating HIV services into existing healthcare systems rather than delivering them in isolation.
Conference participants noted that integrated healthcare improves patient outcomes by making services more accessible and responsive to people's broader health needs.
Researchers also presented evidence showing that stigma, criminalization and discriminatory policies continue to discourage many people from accessing HIV prevention, testing and treatment services. Delegates called for rights-based approaches that protect dignity while improving healthcare access for all populations.
Building resilient health systems
Studies presented from countries affected by conflict, including Sudan and Ukraine, demonstrated how humanitarian crises can disrupt HIV services. At the same time, researchers highlighted the resilience of decentralized, community-led healthcare models that have continued delivering services despite extremely challenging conditions.
As AIDS 2026 concluded, delegates left with a shared message: ending AIDS remains within reach, but scientific innovation alone will not achieve that goal. Sustained political commitment, diversified financing, stronger community leadership and equitable access to new technologies will determine whether the world can protect decades of progress and move closer to ending HIV as a public health threat.
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