UNAIDS Board rejects plans to shut down the agency, backs transformation
Originally published by Citizen Digital — Read the original article →
The Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) of UNAIDS has unanimously rejected plans to shut down the agency, insisting that any transformation must protect people living with, at risk of and affected by HIV, and ensure governments and communities sustain and build on the gains of the AIDS response.
In a press statement dated October 26, 2026, the Board reaffirmed strong support for the Joint Programme, with members unanimous that its transformation must safeguard communities and keep the AIDS response on track.
Executive Director Winnie Byanyima captured the significance of the decision: “You have rejected the sunsetting of UNAIDS and chosen instead to transform and strengthen this unique Joint Programme. I thank programme countries, donors, civil society and activists who stood firm and fought for the future of UNAIDS. Saving the Joint Programme is only the beginning. Now we must transform it and get that transformation right.”
