Today, world leaders gather at the United Nations for the 2026 High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS.

The global HIV response has saved millions of lives and become one of the greatest public health achievements in modern history. Communities, governments, civil society, scientists, and funders proved what is possible when the world works together.

But protecting past gains is not the same as securing future progress.

The final Political Declaration preserves important commitments that communities fought hard to secure, including community leadership, community-led monitoring, access to medicines, and human rights.

Yet at a time of shrinking development assistance, widening inequalities, and growing pressure on health systems, important gaps remain regarding intellectual property barriers, the full use of TRIPS flexibilities, technology transfer, and sustainable financing for the HIV response.

Today, :

• Protect the gains.
• Expand equitable access to medicines and health technologies.
• Defend human rights and community leadership.
• Invest in the solutions we know work.

The evidence is clear. Communities, human rights, equitable access to medicines, and sustained investment save lives.

Communities need access, not just announcements. Holding the line is not the same as finishing the job. Secure the future. End AIDS by 2030.