Global HIV Funding Crisis Risks Rising Deaths
The report highlights the impact of recent large-scale cuts from international donors. Despite marked progress in the HIV response in 2024, abrupt funding shortfalls this year have halted HIV prevention programmes and jeopardized treatment services.
'This is not just a funding gap—it's a ticking time bomb,' said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. 'We have seen services vanish overnight. Health workers have been sent home. And people—especially children and key populations—are being pushed out of care.' Key populations are groups at higher risk of contracting HIV including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, people in prisons and other forms of detention, sex workers and transgender people.
Although several countries are increasing national budget allocations, the global HIV response cannot rely on domestic funding alone. The report calls on the international community to urgently come together to secure the required funding, support countries to close the remaining prevention and treatment service gaps, remove legal and social barriers, and empower communities.
Asia-Pacific risks a ballooning HIV epidemic
In 2024 there were an estimated 6.9 million people living with HIV in Asia and the Pacific. Next to Eastern and southern Africa, this is the world's largest epidemic. AIDS-related deaths have declined by half (53%) since 2010 with 150 000 lives lost in the region last year. One of four new infections globally are in Asia-Pacific. In 2024, 300 000 people were newly infected in the region. Since 2010, new HIV infections reduced by just 17 per cent.
This region accounts for nine of the 32 countries where new HIV infections have risen since 2010. These are Fiji (3091%), the Philippines (562%), Afghanistan (187%), Papua New Guinea (84%), Bhutan (67%), Sri Lanka (48%), Timor-Leste (42%), Bangladesh (33%) and Lao PDR (16%).
In 2024 less than quarter million people in the region took PrEP, a medication that prevents HIV infection. This is dismally short of the 8 million target. Not enough people are benefitting from tailored prevention services. About half of sex workers, one-third of men who have sex with men and transgender people and one-fifth of people who inject drugs had access to prevention services last year. Young people from key population communities remain highly vulnerable.
'Our hope to end the AIDS pandemic as a public health threat by 2030 in Asia-Pacific is now hanging by a thread! The region's incredible strides are set back when a new person is infected every two minutes!' said Eamonn Murphy, Regional Director of UNAIDS Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe Central Asia. He called on governments and the international community to urgently and adequately fund effective prevention approaches including community systems, HIV treatment, PrEP and emerging long-acting technologies.
In 2024, the number of people newly diagnosed with HIV in Fiji tripled from 2023 levels, with preliminary data indicating that half of people on antiretroviral therapy likely contracted HIV through injecting drug use. The report includes a case study highlighting the urgent need for harm reduction services for people who inject drugs in Fiji. Another case study in the report notes that in the context of US funding cuts, the Philippines urgently needs prevention investments and programming targeting young key populations, particularly young men who have sex with men.
Despite some commendable progress, more work needed around HIV testing and treatment
In 2024, 79% of people living with HIV in this region were aware of their HIV status. Just two-thirds of all people living with HIV were on treatment (69%) and achieved a suppressed viral load (66%). Globally, quarter of the people living with HIV who are not yet accessing HIV treatment are in Asia-Pacific. In 2024 less than half of people living with HIV in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines were on antiretroviral therapy.
'For those who either don't have HIV services available or are too afraid to access them, there is also a crisis!' said Harry Prabowo, Coordinator of the Asia Pacific Network of People living with HIV (APN+). 'Our region's assignment to expand access to care and community support to reach those being left behind is now overdue.'
Notwithstanding these challenges, the report singles out several countries in the region for commendable progress in various areas. Nepal is among just five countries worldwide that have reduced new HIV infections by more than 75% since 2010. Cambodia successfully treats almost all diagnosed people with >98% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression in 2024. Australia is within reach of the 95-95-95 testing, treatment and viral suppression targets.
Thailand is among the countries with robust domestic investments, funding more than 90% of its response. Bhutan, Pakistan, Timor-Leste and Thailand plan to increase domestic allocations for the HIV response in 2026. Indonesia increased domestic HIV spending more than fourfold between 2010 and 2022. For the region as a whole, just half of the required HIV response resources are now available.
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