Abuja: A coalition of community networks and civil society organisations in Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the proposed closure of UNAIDS. They warned that such a move could have devastating consequences for the global HIV response.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the coalition said that shutting down UNAIDS would undermine decades of progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, potentially putting millions of lives at risk. The statement was jointly signed by key organisations including the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) and the Nigeria Key Population Health and Rights Network (NKPHRN).

It also included the International Community of Women Living with HIV – West Africa (ICW-WA) as a co-signatory, reaffirming regional solidarity in the fight against HIV and support for UNAIDS’ continued existence. Others include the Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), the Association of Positive Youth Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (APYIN), and the Civil Society Network for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (CiSHAN).

The coalition expressed alarm about the recommendation contained in the UN80 Initiative to ‘sunset UNAIDS by the end of 2026’ as part of a broader restructuring of the United Nations system. They view the attempt to dismantle the UN agency dedicated to the global HIV/AIDS response as a setback that signals a departure from the UN’s commitment to millions of lives worldwide.

The coalition acknowledged that while global efforts had significantly reduced new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, progress remained uneven, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. They described the proposal as shortsighted, saying it betrayed communities living with and affected by HIV.

UNAIDS has been advancing a transition path that prioritises inclusive, multisectoral, and sustainable national HIV responses, led by governments and communities, and funded largely through domestic resources. The coalition warned that dismantling UNAIDS now could reverse hard-won gains, erode donor confidence, and send a damaging message to vulnerable populations still battling the epidemic.

The coalition called on the UN Secretary-General and Member States to reject the proposal to sunset UNAIDS, to strengthen its mandate, and to protect the integrity of the UN80 reform process without compromising the global HIV response. They urged the Secretary-General to intervene decisively to halt the confusion and uncertainty this proposal has created among stakeholders, particularly communities, civil society, and donors.

The coalition ended by reaffirming its commitment to collaborate with the UN and Member States to protect UNAIDS’ legacy and ensure that no one is left behind.