2.9 Million HIV Deaths Possible by 2030 Amid Shrinking Global Funding: Report

As global support for HIV response declines, nearly 2.9 million lives could be at risk by 2030, a new report warns. Released ahead of the International Conference on HIV Science in Germany, the study calls for urgent, scaled-up investments to avoid a devastating setback in the global fight against the virus.

Published by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the report projects that a funding gap could lead to 1.8 million new HIV infections and up to 2.9 million deaths by 2030. Such a reversal would erode decades of progress, especially in low- and middle-income countries that rely heavily on international financial aid.

The report underscores that without sufficient investment, vulnerable countries may struggle to deliver essential HIV prevention and treatment services, endangering millions. Currently, the Global Fund faces a $20 billion shortfall in the resources needed to achieve its 2030 goals.

Sustained global investment is crucial to ending the epidemic. The report also emphasizes the importance of continuing momentum in HIV awareness, ensuring access to treatment, and driving innovation in medical research. Experts caution that a mix of financial shortfalls and complacency could undo years of advancement.

In closing, the report issues a call to global leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the fight against HIV and to align funding levels with the scale of the crisis.