The UK’s Role in the Global Fight Against HIV/AIDS: A Critical Juncture
For over three decades, the United Kingdom has been a leading force in the global response to HIV and AIDS. This commitment, built on development policy, funding, and diplomatic efforts, has been instrumental in tackling one of history’s deadliest public health crises.
The Progress Towards Ending AIDS by 2030
Ending AIDS globally by 2030 is now within reach. Modelling from UNAIDS highlights that scaling up prevention and treatment could avert 28 million infections and 21 million deaths by 2030. The benefits extend far beyond health systems, impacting economies, families, and future generations.
A History of UK Leadership
In the 2000s, the UK co-founded the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and Unitaid – two fundamental organizations in the global HIV response. The Global Fund has saved 70 million lives, while Unitaid has focused on making health innovations affordable and accessible. In 2024, lenacapavir, an HIV prevention tool, became available in 120 low- and middle-income countries at a cost of $40 (£29) a year, following regulatory approvals.
The UK’s support extends to the broader HIV ecosystem, including UNAIDS and the Robert Carr Fund, demonstrating the power of global partnerships built on communities, science, solidarity, and sustained investment.
Recent Funding Cuts and the Risk of Reversal
Recent cuts to development funding, particularly from the US, are jeopardizing these historical efforts. The UK’s decision to reduce Official Development Assistance to 0.3 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) constrains its ability to fund even impactful institutions. Despite prioritizing the Global Fund, the UK’s pledge still involved a 15 per cent reduction from the last pledge, totaling £850 million.
The Importance of Sustained Investment
As the UK seeks a modern approach to development based on genuine partnerships, the HIV architecture offers decades of experience. It demonstrates what global collaboration, inclusivity, and equity can achieve. Funding for Unitaid, UNAIDS, and the Robert Carr Fund, alongside the Global Fund, is critical to ending AIDS as a public health threat.
The Covid-19 pandemic underscored the principle that “none of us are safe until we are all safe,” reinforcing our collective responsibility to address global health challenges. For many living with HIV, it similarly served as a reminder of the resilience gained from surviving the AIDS pandemic.
A Political Choice
Ending AIDS is a political choice. The UK must not forget its legacy and avoid complacency that could reverse decades of progress. Learning from past lessons and properly funding the global HIV response is essential to achieving the 2030 goal.
FAQ
Q: What is the Global Fund?
A: The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is an international financing organization dedicated to attracting and disbursing resources to prevent and treat these diseases.
Q: What is Unitaid?
A: Unitaid works to ensure that health innovations are affordable and accessible to the communities that need them most, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Q: Why are development funding cuts a concern?
A: Cuts to development funding jeopardize decades of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS and risk reversing hard-won gains.
Pro Tip
Stay informed about global health initiatives and advocate for sustained funding to support organizations working to end HIV/AIDS.
Did you understand? Lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention tool, is now available at a cost of $40 per year in many low- and middle-income countries thanks to initiatives like Unitaid.
Explore more articles on global health and development on our website. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights.
