Condom distribution drops 55% in Nigeria — UNAIDS
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS has indicated a significant reduction in the distribution of condoms in Nigeria, with a decline of 55 percent over the past year.
The agency cautioned that this reduction signifies a worsening crisis in the global fight against HIV.
This statistic was presented on Tuesday in Geneva at the launch of UNAIDS' 2025 World AIDS Day report, entitled Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response. The organization noted that we are currently experiencing our "worst setback in decades" regarding HIV, as prevention efforts, testing, and vital community-led initiatives are being seriously disrupted worldwide.
The report shows that 13 countries have seen a decrease in the number of individuals starting HIV treatment. Additionally, in sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 450,000 women have been deprived of critical "mother mentors," who are community health workers that connect pregnant women and new mothers with essential HIV care and support.
UNAIDS warned that sudden cuts in funding and deteriorating human rights conditions are actively compromising prevention and treatment services in many countries across the globe. Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, remarked on the gravity of the situation, stating, "The funding crisis has exposed the vulnerability of the progress we fought so hard to achieve."
Highlighting the human aspect behind the statistics, Byanyima further stated, "Behind every data point in this report are individuals. Babies missing HIV screenings, young women lacking prevention support, and communities left suddenly without services and care. We must not forsake them."
The agency pointed out that adolescent girls and young women continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, emphasizing that even prior to these recent disruptions, 570 new HIV infections were documented daily among females aged 15 to 24. With prevention programs now failing, UNAIDS warned that the vulnerability of this demographic is quickly increasing.
Community-led organizations, which UNAIDS describes as the foundation of the global HIV response, are also facing significant challenges due to financial constraints. The report reveals that over 60 percent of women-led organizations have had to halt essential services because of the current financial pressures.
UNAIDS modeling suggests that a continued lack of restoration to vital prevention efforts could lead to an additional 3.3 million HIV infections occurring between 2025 and 2030.
The agency indicated that this crisis is predominantly driven by diminishing international support, referencing OECD forecasts that project a potential 30 to 40 percent drop in global health funding in 2025 compared to the levels in 2023. UNAIDS alerted that "The impact has been immediate and severe, particularly in low- and middle-income countries that are significantly affected by HIV."
UNAIDS concluded by urging global leaders to take swift measures. This includes reaffirming commitments made during the recent G20 Summit in South Africa, reinforcing global solidarity, increasing funding for nations that depend heavily on external aid, investing in affordable long-acting prevention methods, and upholding human rights, as communities must remain integral to an effective HIV response.
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