Global HIV Prevention Quarterly Newsletter

As 2026 commences, the world is still faced with complex geopolitical and financial challenges, rising vulnerability and inequalities that have already severely impacted efforts to maintain sustainable HIV prevention programmes this year, with millions more who risk losing access to lifesaving HIV services, while vulnerable communities face rising HIV infections.

The UNAIDS World AIDS Day report, released at the end of 2025, urges immediate investments in HIV prevention and community-led programs, innovative solutions like long-acting HIV prevention and options, affordable medicines, and community-led programs. It calls for global solidarity, maintaining funding, investment in innovations and upholding of human rights and community empowerment, as key to prevent reversal of progress and to end AIDS by 2030.

The Global HIV Prevention Coalition welcomes opportunities for multisectoral collaboration enabling equitable PrEP access, updated research on efficiency and cost-effectiveness of primary HIV prevention methods, and strong, bold action led at community and country level to continue efforts in HIV prevention programming. In September, the world marked a historical turning point for more equitable access to new long-acting PrEP with a price announcement for generic Lenacapavir. Avenir Health’s updated modelling brings much needed quantifiable evidence for governments and donors to support continued investments in condoms as a cheap, discreet and cost-effective solution for preventing HIV, STIs and pregnancy. Highlights of this newsletter also include updates on the new guidance and tools available for Lenacapavir, PrEP and HIV testing, self-care for HIV prevention, and designing effective, sustainable HIV programmes for young key populations. This quarterly edition also highlights the impact of the funding cuts on HIV prevention programs through AVAC’s latest research while showcasing concrete examples and stories on building resilience in HIV prevention programming amidst funding cuts from regional and country perspectives.

The UNAIDS PCB adopts the 2026 - 2031 Global AIDS Strategy

At the end of 2025, the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB), adopted the 2026-2031 Global AIDS Strategy, “United to End AIDS”. The new Strategy acts as a framework to guide the HIV response through renewed urgency, revitalized solidarity and the prioritization of proven interventions and approaches while keeping people at the centre. GPC is also developing a Global HIV Prevention Access Framework for Country-Led HIV Responses. This Framework is expected to be launched in 2026 and will outline GPC’s bold vision to ensure equitable access to HIV prevention by 2030 through a person-centred approach.  

In 2026, UNAIDS will present for adoption and obtain political commitment for its implementation in countries at the United Nations General Assembly marking a historic moment for the Global HIV Response amidst converging crises, widespread volatility and deepening inequalities.

UNAIDS Warns of Major Setback in Global HIV Response – World AIDS Day Report

The global fight against HIV faces its most severe setback in decades, according to a new UNAIDS report released ahead of World AIDS Day 2025. Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response highlights the severe impacts of sharp reductions in international funding and lack of global solidarity, which have far-reaching consequences especially for low- and middle-income countries heavily affected by HIV. Abrupt reductions in international HIV assistance in 2025 have compounded the already difficult funding context, which is projected to drop by 30–40% compared to 2023.

With 1.3 million new HIV infections per year, we remain off track to reach global targets. HIV Prevention programs, which have already been facing numerous challenges, have been hit hardest: major reductions in access to PrEP, voluntary medical male circumcision declined sharply, and HIV prevention programmes for adolescent girls and young women are being dismantled.

These gaps increase vulnerability of vulnerable populations and are undermining the progress made until now. In 2024, there were already 570 new infections daily among adolescent girls and young women per day. Community led organization are also being heavily impacted. Over 60% of women-led organizations have suspended services, and key populations—including sex workers and people who inject drugs—face severe disruptions. UNAIDS warns failure to act could lead to 6.6 million additional infections between 2025 and 2029.

Despite challenges, some countries are boosting domestic investments and adopting innovative prevention technologies. Global partnerships and recent pledges, including $11.34 billion from the Global Fund, are promising—but urgent political action and financial investment is needed to sustain progress.

In 2026, GPC will work closely with its partners to drive innovative and sustainable approaches in countries to close the gaps.

Reimagining HIV Prevention leadership in a moment of crisis: Country-driven priorities for a coherent and effective global response

With 1.3 million new HIV infections per year, the HIV prevention response requires urgent acceleration to reach global targets by 2030. The GPC and partners have developed a 2030 HIV Prevention Access framework to support countries achieve their prevention targets. The draft framework was presented at ICASA 2025 in a session organised by the HIV Multisector Leadership Forum. Discussions held during this session supported with inclusion of country perspectives into the framework including integration of prevention services into health systems, adoption of innovative approaches in implementation of HIV Prevention programmes and strengthening political and financial commitment to prevention.

A breakthrough in HIV prevention: long-acting HIV medicine made affordable

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, UNAIDS welcomed the announcement of two landmark agreements that will make the revolutionary HIV prevention medicine lenacapavir available at an affordable price. Currently costing USD 28,000 per person per year in the United States for HIV treatment, through agreements between UNITAID, CHAI and Wits RHI, and the Gates Foundation and the Indian generic manufacturers Dr Reddy and Hetero, injectable lenacapavir will be available at just USD 40 per person per year.

Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injection shown to be up to 100% effective in preventing HIV. UNAIDS estimates that if 20 million people at highest risk gain access—including key populations and women in sub-Saharan Africa—new HIV infections could fall dramatically, bringing the world closer to ending AIDS by 2030.

“This is a watershed moment. A price of USD 40 per person per year is a leap forward that will help to unlock the revolutionary potential of long-acting HIV medicines,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS.

At the end of 2025, through WHO Collaborative Registration Procedure Lenacapavir was approved in two African countries: Zambia and Zimbabwe in record time.

In 2026, the GPC and partners will continue advocate and allocate resources towards accelerating roll out of new long-acting technologies for prevention including Lenacapavir and Cabotegravir in high-burden countries. Lenacapavir service delivery in these countries is planned to commence in the first quarter.

Simple yet effective: Condoms in HIV Prevention and Sustaining Markets   

(assuming treatment coverage stays constant). Even if high treatment coverage is sustained, condoms still prevent one-quarter of new infections.

Beyond effectiveness, condoms are a proven “best buy”. In 11 of 14 sub-Saharan African countries analysed, condoms were the single most cost-effective intervention in the HIV prevention toolkit. In Lesotho, the cost of condom programmes is lower than the treatment costs they avert, yielding around USD 1,000 savings per DALY averted. Alongside voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), condoms are both life-saving and cost-saving.

But renewed attention towards sustaining condom programmes is critical to ensure equitable and sustainable access to condoms. National strategies need to ensure free distribution for those unable to pay, while also creating space for commercial supply. Low commodity costs mean that many commercially available brands are available at prices affordable to most populations – who are often willing to purchase if free product is not available.

A Total Market Approach can help by combining three steps:

1.   Know your market and your programme. Map gaps, segment by ability to pay, and use quantification tools like the CNET to understand the role of free distribution vs. those needs that can be met by the commercial market.

2.  Target subsidies. Direct free supply to those who need it most and continue graduation of viable social marketing brands off donor support.

3.   Grow the sold market, maintain public supply for those who depend on it – Remove policy barriers, share data, and create space for commercial actors to invest. With a proven record of its effectiveness in preventing HIV at low cost, condoms remain a “best buy” in HIV prevention. The challenge now is to sustain investment and build markets that ensure continued access for everyone who needs them.

New WHO Guidance and Training on PrEP and HIV Testing

3. From Oral PrEP to LEN: Leveling Up Prevention with the WHO–Jhpiego PrEP Provider Training Toolkit.  This 90-minute webinar conducted in partnership with Jhpiego provided an overview of the recently launched WHO and Jhpiego Provider Training Toolkit on Use of Oral and Long-Acting HIV PrEP with case-based scenarios to illustrate the key considerations in the clinical management of clients interested in long-acting injectable Lenacapavir (LEN). 

Innovation in Demand Generation for HIV Prevention

With HIV prevention budgets shrinking in many countries, governments are turning to innovative, cost-effective strategies and practical solutions for HIV prevention to better reach key and priority populations. SSLN, in partnership with the Global Fund, convened a webinar on digital and AI-driven demand generation. Lessons from India, Ukraine, and global programmes highlighted the value of digital ecosystems, AI-driven solutions and private sector collaboration for scalable, data-informed solutions to strengthen HIV prevention and prepare for future Global Fund cycles.

Highlights of the webinar include using innovative approaches to increase demand generation and linkage to HIV testing and follow-up services, such as through virtual platforms, AI-powered virtual human designs, and the use of dating platforms.

Self-care Approach: The Future of HIV prevention

This webinar, co-organized by GPC, UNFPA and the SSLN, explored the self-care approach to HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa in order to empower individuals, families, and communities to manage their own health and access HIV prevention tools without direct health worker support. GPC presented highlights from the brief on “Enhancing Self-Care for HIV Prevention”, which is currently being developed in response to requests on how to effectively enhance HIV prevention self-care and is a key component of the forthcoming HIV Prevention 2030 Global Access Framework. 

Leveraging SSLN’s experience across 15 countries, the session also highlighted innovative, scalable, and person-centered strategies from HIV and broader sexual and reproductive health programs. Country examples from Uganda and South Africa highlighted their experience in using self-care for HIV prevention, such as through the implementation of the WHO guidelines on Self-Care, self-testing, and using AI and analytics.

Optimising interventions for young people from key populations: Highlights from the 13^th Key Populations Community of Practice

Despite progress made in reducing new HIV infections, many countries remain off track for the Global 2025 targets.  Young key populations continue to face severe barriers — including stigma, violence, and criminalization— now compounded by shrinking financial resources. Strengthening sustainable, youth-centered HIV prevention is therefore increasingly urgent.

The 13^th session of the Key Populations Community of Practice held on 6 November 2025, co-organized by the South-to-South HIV Prevention Learning Network and the GPC, focused on practical ways to improve HIV programmes for young key populations. The session brought together policymakers, implementers, donors, and community networks, to discuss effective models, best practices, and the actions needed to ensure meaningful engagement of young key populations in designing and accessing HIV prevention services.

Link to the recordings:

Session 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li-iXHVjYsE

Session 2 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvNb7qnbcvQ 

HIV Prevention in a Changing Climate

Climate change is increasingly undermining global HIV prevention efforts, with extreme weather, food insecurity, and displacement disrupting health systems and continuity of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

During a webinar with participation of experts from the South-to-South HIV Prevention Learning Network (SSLN), Frontline AIDS, UNAIDS, and community organizations; strategies for integrating climate adaptation into HIV policies and programs were explored. Discussions highlighted real-world challenges, innovative solutions, and resilience-building approaches for vulnerable communities. Key takeaways emphasized the need for climate-informed HIV strategies, funding mechanisms, and practical actions to safeguard decades of progress.

Devastating impact on HIV prevention: AVAC’s Research and tracking of the impact of funding cuts

Asia-Pacific in Action: Using Integrated Solutions for HIV Prevention

Latin America and the Caribbean: Laws, Innovation, and Integrated Responses   

Countries across Latin America are advancing HIV prevention through legal reform, modelling of new biomedical tools, and digital innovation:

In Colombia, Parliament is in the process of approving a new Comprehensive HIV Law that aims to strengthen the national response through combination prevention, human rights, and equity. Once enacted, the legislation will promote integrated approaches to HIV prevention, treatment, and care—ensuring greater inclusion of key populations and advancing the country’s commitment to the 2030 global goals.

Meanwhile in Brazil, a new modeling study intends to assess the cost-effectiveness of introducing lenacapavir as a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option to accelerate HIV prevention efforts. Using the GOALS model and country-specific epidemiological data, the study aims to estimate the potential demand for lenacapavir at various price points and evaluate its cost-effectiveness. In parallel, a public hearing held on 1 September at the Chamber of Deputies convened representatives from civil society, government and the United Nations to discuss expanding access to innovative long-acting HIV medicines in Brazil.

In Mexico, the government has launched the National HIV Response Network, a collaborative platform that brings together data, mapping tools, and evidence-based resources to strengthen prevention, treatment, and community action. Supported by UNAIDS, this initiative aims to enhance coordination among health professionals, civil society, and community leaders to accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

A new modeling study from Peru assessed the cost-effectiveness of introducing lenacapavir as a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option to accelerate HIV prevention. Spectrum/GOALS model and Peru-specific epidemiological data, the analysis projected HIV trends through 2060 under different prevention scenarios. This analysis provides important evidence to inform HIV prevention investment decisions and highlights Peru’s commitment to integrating innovative biomedical prevention tools into national strategies toward the 2030 global goals. 

Stepping up efforts and strategic planning for HIV prevention in West and Central Africa and Eastern and Southern Africa

On 29 October and 12 November 2025, the UNAIDS RST for Western and Central Africa organised a two-part webinar series on "Introduction et déploiement du Lenacapavir en AOCN". These webinars provided an overview of the regional epidemiological situation, introduced the science, guidance and implementation considerations on lenacapavir, and provided an overview of tools and resources available to support countries. The webinars also featured informative case studies outlining country experiences of long-acting injectable PrEP program implementation and plans for introducing lenacapavir from Nigeria and Zambia. More than 150 participants took part in these two webinars including community-led organizations, health ministries, co-sponsors. Following the webinars, countries expressed their need for support in introducing and implementing LEN as part of a renewed and ambitious prevention strategy. Zambia is one of the countries that signed off on their National HIV Prevention Road Map – their commitment to reduce new HIV infections towards targets.

UCO Ghana’s Prevention and Acceleration Team (PAT) provided strong technical support to the Ghana AIDS Commission in convening a hybrid inception meeting to finalize Ghana’s National HIV Prevention Roadmap, Granular Target Table, and Subnational Scorecard.

With policy advice from the UNAIDS Ghana Country Office, the PAT team supported the organization of the meeting, provided context on how the prevention roadmap complements the end-term review of the National AIDS Strategic Plan (2021–2025), and shared insights into the development of the Subnational Scorecard to ensure no one gets left behind.

Partners from GAC, NACP, UNFPA, WAAF, NAP+ Ghana, CDC, and NTB contributed to the meeting, which set a three-year roadmap (2026–2028) with periodic reviews. Importantly, Ghana will be among the first countries to develop the HIV Prevention Granular Target Table, applying granularity by population.

Through this collaboration, Ghana’s HIV prevention response remains ambitious, inclusive, and aligned with the goals of the Global Prevention Coalition.

Tanzania has made measurable progress in HIV prevention, under the leadership of TACAIDS and the Ministry of Health and through support from the Global HIV Prevention Coalition. A draft of the national social contracting policies and guidelines is now in place, laying the groundwork for sustainable financing and community-led service delivery, with preparations for a national dialogue and stakeholder engagement strategies underway to accelerate implementation. In response to reduced PEPFAR and Global Fund support, Tanzania provided technical input to the GC-7 grant reprioritization process, using national and subnational evidence through the SHIPP tool to expand the geographic coverage and scope of HIV prevention interventions, effectively mitigating the impact of funding cuts.

These efforts underscore Tanzania’s commitment to results-driven programming, strategic alignment, and inclusive approaches, reinforcing its leadership in ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

   GPC Upcoming Events

1. The Future of HIV Prevention: A People’s Research Agenda for Speed, Scale and Equity, 20 January 2026 9:00 am ET. For more information: https://avac.org/event/pra-2025-webinar/

2. Launch of the 2030 Global HIV Prevention Access Framework, March 2026

Publications in the last quarter of 2025

For any comments or questions on the above, please contact us at [email protected].

Kind regards,

Global HIV Prevention Coalition Secretariat | UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS | 20, Avenue Appia CH-1211 Geneva 27. Switzerland.

About the GPC

In 2017, a global coalition of United Nations Member States, donors, civil society organizations, and implementers was established to support global efforts to accelerate HIV prevention.  Membership includes 38 of the highest HIV-burden countries, UNAIDS Cosponsors, donors, civil society, and private sector organizations. The overarching goal of the Global HIV Prevention Coalition is to strengthen and sustain a political commitment to primary prevention by setting a common agenda among key policy-makers, funders, and programme implementers.