A two-day United Nations High-Level Meeting (HLM) on HIV and AIDS has been concluded on a high note in New York. Majority of Member States have adopted a new Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS with strong support. The declaration reaffirms global commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and sets specific and important new targets.
According to the statement issued by UNAIDS on 23rd June 2023, the outcome follows weeks of negotiations with all Member States and engagement with communities, civil society and partners and demonstrates that, even in an environment marked by reduced international financing and multilateralism, countries continue to recognize the urgency of sustaining progress against HIV
The UNAIDS statement emphasized that the Declaration will serve as an important road map to advance further success in the global HIV response over the next five years, guiding global efforts to accelerate additional progress despite decreases in funding for HIV and anti-rights headwinds. Notably, the 2026 Political Declaration reflects the ambitious targets contained in the new Global AIDS Strategy 2026-2031.
In setting out an agenda to evolve the global AIDS response for the shifting pandemic, the Declaration includes important new and ambitious targets and commitments to increase equitable coverage of HIV testing, treatment and prevention; addressing funding gaps; protect human rights and gender equity; expand access to HIV medicines and other technologies through sharing of technology and strengthening local production for sustainability; and expanding the space for communities and civil society in the AIDS response.
Adding her voice, Malawi’s Health and Sanitation minister honorable Madalitso Baloyi MP said,
“this outcome shows that even in a very difficult global environment, countries remain committed to collective action in responding to the AIDS pandemic. The challenge now is to sustain investment, strengthen partnerships and deliver results for people”.
Malawi was represented by Minister of Health and Sanitation Honorable Madalitso Baloyi MP, Principal Secretary (Administration) in the ministry of Finance Mr. Patrick Liphava, National AIDS Commission Chief Executive Officer Dr. Beatrice Matanje, Deputy Director of Europe in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Quent Kalichero, and Chief Disease Control Officer in the Ministry of Health Mr. Washington Ozituosauka.
During the Meeting, Malawi Minister of Health spoke on behalf of the African Group of Member States and also co-chaired a Thematic panel session on “Equitable Access to Science, Technology and Innovation – Accelerating HIV Prevention, Testing, Treatment and Care”.
The NAC CEO, Dr Beatrice Matanje, was a speaker at the HLM side event titled “Future-Proofing the AIDS Response” focusing on Malawi’s experience with long-acting prevention and treatment, and highlighting the need for sustainability through country-led stewardship, multilateral support for product access and affordability, and integration of PrEP interventions into existing HIV Prevention and SRHR programs The Chief Disease Control Officer of the Department of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatis in the MOHS, Mr Washington Ozituosauka, shared Malawi’s experience with he Prevention of Mother-to-ChildTransmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis in another HLM side event titled: “With Africa, In Africa: Ensuring Access to Life-Saving HIV/AIDS Treatment”.Details here: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2026/june/20260624_HLM2026AIDS_concludes
