“Keep UNAIDS — the HIV response in EECA is not finished” is the main message of the statement from the regional networks of Eastern Europe & Central Asia in response to the report of the UN Secretary General stating that “We plan to sunset UNAIDS by the end of 2026”.
In September 2025 the UN Secretary-General has published a report “Shifting Paradigms: United to Deliver”, which states that “We plan to sunset UNAIDS by the end of 2026. This would entail mainstreaming capacity and expertise into relevant entities of the UN development system in 2027.”
In response to this the regional networks of civil society in EECA have initiated a statement stressing thаt
- HIV epidemic in EECA region continues to grow.
- The epidemic is concentrated among key populations, particularly people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, people in prisons and other marginalized groups who already face stigma, criminalization, and barriers to accessing health services – these dynamics demand stronger, not weaker, global leadership.
- UNAIDS plays a unique role in ensuring that governments, international organizations, and civil society are united behind a coherent and evidence-based response.
- Shrinking civic space and punitive policies continue to endanger lives, the independent voice and normative authority of UNAIDS is essential.
Next steps
- The statement was sent to UN secretary General and to PCB Secretariate.
- Civil society networks will keep advocating using the messages from the statement via communication channels and social media.
- The statement was delivered at the Special Session of UNAIDS Program Coordinating Board (PCB) on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, together with the statements from other NGO observers.
- The Guardian article of 20th October 2025 “UNAids is set to close in 2026 – four years early. Are experts right to be alarmed?” by David Cox.
- The National Herald article of 20th October 2025 “Global alarm as UN proposes shutting UNAids by end of 2026”.