UNAIDS board rejects plan to shut down HIV/AIDS programme
The UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board has rejected plans to phase out the organisation, backing reforms to strengthen the global HIV response and protect people and communities affected by HIV. In a press release dated October 26, 2026, in Geneva, UNAIDS said board members unanimously supported a continued, streamlined and efficient Joint Programme, with reforms aimed […]
The UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board has unanimously rejected plans to phase out the organization, instead backing reforms to strengthen the global HIV response and protect affected communities. The decision was made in Geneva on October 26, 2026, with Executive Director Winnie Byanyima stating that the board has chosen to transform and strengthen the Joint Programme instead of sunset it.
The board approved the overall strategic direction for the programme’s transition and asked the board chair to submit its decisions to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The proposed reforms include retaining the UN's HIV mandate, establishing a focused UNAIDS Secretariat, and giving participating UN agencies stronger leadership in their technical areas.
The board also emphasized the central role of communities through co-creation and co-leadership, while protecting human rights, gender equality, and inclusive governance.
Brief written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
