STAT+: HIV resurgence is feared as global funding to combat the disease falls 18%

STAT PlusPharmalot HIV resurgence is feared as global funding to combat the disease falls 18% Even so, the United States still provides 74% of donor government funding Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 27, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. The world risks a resurgence of the HIV epidemic after international financing to combat the infectious disease suffered a “profound shock” last year, according to a new report from UNAIDS, the United Nations agency. Overall, government funding declined by more than $1.5 billion to $7.3 billion in 2025 — an 18% decline and the lowest level in nearly two decades. Prevention programs, in particular, have historically relied heavily on donor assistance in most regions, with especially high dependency in sub-Saharan Africa, where it reached 83% two years ago.Advertisement Other factors contributing to the worrisome outlook are high debt burdens in countries most affected by the disease and backsliding on human rights and gender equality, the report noted. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In HIV/AIDS, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, public health, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Recommended Pharmalot July 27, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a U.S. peptide panel’s votes, Amgen scuffling with the FDA, and more Pharmalot July 24, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Advertisement Pharmalot July 24, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an FDA panel and peptides, a Merck license for an HIV pill, and more Pharmalot July 24, 2026 STAT Plus: Merck strikes voluntary licensing deals in poor countries for an experimental HIV prevention pill Pharmalot July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: European regulators take steps to bolster clinical trial transparency Subscriber Picks