The latest data shows that 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2024, a figure nearly unchanged from the previous year, despite a 40% decline in new infections since 2010.
Global funding for HIV responses in low- and middle-income countries stood at $18.7 billion in 2024—17% short of the US $21.9 billion needed to stay on track to end AIDS by 2030.
UNAIDS emphasizes that prevention remains the biggest challenge, with significant gaps in access to life-saving tools and services.
Projections indicate that if these funding shortfalls are not urgently addressed, the world could face 4.2 million additional AIDS-related deaths alongside the 6.6 million new HIV infections between 2025 and 2029.
Even before the current crisis, sustaining existing programmes was projected to result in 46 million people living with HIV by 2050.
Recent funding withdrawals have already forced the closure of clinics and disrupted essential services, with the full human cost expected to emerge in the coming years.
UNAIDS is calling for immediate global solidarity, urging nations to invest in the HIV response to protect decades of progress and prevent a worsening health crisis.