Efforts to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 are stalling due to an increase in new infections in some global regions.

Additionally, there exists a substantial annual funding gap of US$9.5 billion for the global HIV response to boost resources.

This was revealed during the launch of the UNAIDS report under the theme "The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads."

In 2023, global funding for HIV saw a decrease, with total resources amounting to US$19.8 billion, marking a 5% drop from the previous year. 

This shortfall of US$9.5 billion from the required US$29.3 billion by 2025 is hindering progress and contributing to increasing epidemics in certain regions. 

Domestic funding in low- and middle-income countries, which constitutes 59% of the total resources for HIV, has declined due to constraints posed by the debt crisis, experiencing a 6% decrease from 2022 to 2023, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline. 

These financial challenges are impeding efforts to combat HIV/AIDS globally.

Economic challenges posed by high debt burdens in African countries such as Angola, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda, where interest payments exceed 50% of government revenue, have been recorded. 

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa face severe debt distress, spending significantly more on servicing debt interest than on healthcare. 

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima also emphasised the need to tackle stigma against marginalised communities in Africa.

These include sex workers, men who have sex with men, and drug users.

Currently, these groups account for 55% of new global HIV infections, up from 45% in 2010. 

Nearly a quarter of the forty million people living with HIV have not yet accessed life-saving treatment.

Friedel Dausab, who identifies as gay, contracted HIV in 1995 and became an activist.

Achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 will require addressing these economic challenges alongside improving healthcare access and respecting human rights.

Byanyima, who stressed the urgency of actions, highlighted that decisions taken by leaders this year will determine if global targets will be met, AIDS will end as a public health threat by 2030, and a sustainable HIV response will be built.