World AIDS Day 2025 is being marked under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”
The theme highlights mounting worries that cuts to funding, interruptions in essential services, and rising political and social pressures could undo years of progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Global figures show that in 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV, with 1.3 million new infections and roughly 630,000 deaths linked to AIDS.
UNAIDS and other international bodies warn that declining donor contributions and reduced financing are seriously weakening HIV prevention, treatment, and care — especially for communities already facing discrimination or limited access to healthcare. Community-based programmes, which often play a central role in education, prevention, and support, are among the most affected. Meanwhile, restrictive laws and persistent stigma continue to prevent many people from seeking or receiving care.
Under this year’s theme, the global movement is urging:
•Stronger political commitment and consistent funding for prevention, testing, treatment, and long-term care.
•Policies rooted in human rights that guarantee access to services for everyone, including vulnerable and marginalized groups.
•Better integration of HIV services into wider health systems, access to new technologies such as long-acting treatment options, and increased support for community-led initiatives.
•A renewed push to meet the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Despite significant progress in many regions — such as wider testing, increased treatment availability, and prevention options like PrEP — recent setbacks are widening gaps, particularly for women, young people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others at higher risk.
Health advocates caution that without stronger global cooperation and fresh investment, recent progress could unravel. The consequences could include:
•Rising numbers of new infections and AIDS-related deaths.
•Reduced access to treatment and testing for people who need it most.
•Increased stigma and discrimination, harming both individuals and public health efforts.
Although much attention is focused on high-burden countries, the impact of declining global support and disrupted supply chains also affects the Caribbean and other small-island states. These regions risk shortages of medication, reduced testing capacity, and fewer support services for people living with or vulnerable to HIV.
World AIDS Day 2025 calls on Caribbean governments, civil society groups, and communities to:
•Renew commitments to universal testing and treatment.
•Safeguard equal access to care for everyone.
•Tackle stigma through education, openness, and inclusive policies.
This year’s observance is a clear reminder that the HIV crisis is not over. But with strong leadership, rights-based approaches, stable funding, and community-driven action, achieving the 2030 goal remains within reach.
As one global advocate noted, the world now faces a choice: move forward with transformation — or fall back.
