The development of the Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031 will take place in six phases during 2025 and into 2026, ensuring inclusive, multistakeholder consultations throughout: 

1. Consultations for scoping and sourcing solutions (January–March 2025). 
2. Selection and prioritization of inputs (April–May 2025). 
3. Outline review by the PCB (June 2025). 
4. Final consultations (September–October 2025). 
5. Strategy adoption at the 57th PCB meeting (December 2025). 
6. 2026 Political Declaration (June 2026).

1. What is the Global AIDS Strategy?

• The Global AIDS Strategy 2026-2031 is a global guide that aims to focus global efforts for the future of the AIDS response: to end inequalities, end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and sustain the HIV response after 2030. It provides an accountability framework to measure results.

2. What is the purpose of the Strategy?

• The new strategy seeks to set a vision that re-energises and unites global efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat recognising that the path forward requires innovation, inclusivity, a deeper commitment to tackling inequalities and charting the sustainability of the response.
• This strategy is about asking ourselves what we can truly achieve together in the next 2-5 years, and reimagining who must be part of this journey. The stage is set for a united global movement—rooted in innovation, equity, and determination—to redefine what’s possible in the HIV response and achieve the vision of ending AIDS by 2030 as a public health threat.

3. Why do we need a new Global AIDS Strategy?

• Today we are at a critical point; a time of opportunity in the AIDS response with exciting scientific advances (long-acting ARVs), a chance to invest in quality integrated health and HIV services, and a fresh momentum to support community leadership. The world must rise to the challenge of these opportunities and take them forward into the Global AIDS Strategy and the 2026 political declaration on AIDS.
• This Strategy will be critical to guide efforts toward achieving the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and securing a sustainable response to HIV for the future.
• UNAIDS has dedicated 2024 to laying the groundwork for this transformative new Global AIDS Strategy. Central to this has been a mid-term review of the current Strategy, which emphasizes the urgent need for accelerated HIV prevention efforts, societal enablers, and sustained gains in treatment.

• With 1.3 million new HIV infections every year, concerted effort is still required to reduce HIV incidence - drive down new HIV infections and AIDS related deaths to reach the 2030 target of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
• Without a major, innovative, prevention push with new technologies, new HIV infections will continue into the future​.
• HIV is far from over. UNAIDS projections suggest that in 2050 there will be between 29-46 million people living with HIV who will need services and systems to be healthy and to prevent onward transmission.
• We need to accelerate to close gaps in treatment cascade. Effort needed to overcome complacency and galvanize the HIV response to maintain the existing success​. Structural and societal barriers for the populations in need of prevention or treatment must be removed to succeed in reducing HIV as a public health threat​. Country-owned services and systems must be in place for populations living with, and at risk of, HIV to avoid future resurgence.
• This requires a strong multisectoral response – health, finance, justice, education, social welfare, etc.​ Integration of services will require a careful effort to ensure quality, stigma-free, services are available to all those in need

4. What are the targets?

• Targets are a powerful ally of the AIDS response - for countries, communities and as a rallying call. We know the power targets have had - 3 by 5 to scale up access to the first effective anti-retroviral therapy, the 90-90-90 when science confirmed the power of viral load suppression to prevent HIV transmission, the Three Zeros - 0 Deaths, 0 New HIV infections, 0 Stigma when the AIDS response set its SDG goal before anyone else and vowed to leave no one behind. They resonate for everyone. Whether it is for a project officer in Maputo or the leaders of the Gates Foundation, the targets can be applied in different settings and move the world toward the end of AIDS.
• A Global Task Team, co-chaired by Chewe Luo and Michel Kazatchkine, comprised of 33 experts from governments, civil society, multilateral organizations, and public health has worked to identify measurable, equitable, and evidence-informed targets for 2030. The draft targets were discussed at an October 2024 briefing with over 150 stakeholders, ensuring broad input to refine the framework.​

5. How do the targets relate to the Global AIDS Strategy?

• The targets are central to defining our 2030 goals (the WHAT) and the strategy outlines HOW we get there (operationalizing the targets) and what critical strategic actions are needed to reach our goals.

6. Who is the Global AIDS Strategy for?

• The next Global AIDS Strategy provides a vision to unite and inspire:

• Governments and National AIDS Programmes to guide evidence-driven impactful programing that protects lives and sustains progress.
• Civil society and community activists: To fuel advocacy, strengthen voices, & ensure all voices especially most marginalised heard & included.
• Partners and donors who want to invest in innovative solutions.
• Teachers, parents, journalists (everyday people). It should be clear, easy to read and understand and make them feel part of a global movement.

7. Where is the Global AIDS Strategy relevant?

• The next Global AIDS Strategy will provide a global vision and global priorities that should be relevant to the HIV epidemic and response in every country globally. It will also include regional chapters to account for the different epidemics across regions.

8. What is the timeline?

• The Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031 will build on the efforts of 2024, providing a roadmap to end AIDS by 2030 and setting the stage for sustainable responses thereafter. Development will take place in six phases during 2025 and into 2026, ensuring inclusive, multistakeholder consultations throughout:

1. Consultations for scoping and sourcing solutions (January–March 2025).
2. Consultations on selection and prioritization of inputs (April–May 2025).
3. Outline review by the PCB (June 2025).
4. Final consultations (September–October 2025).
5. Strategy adoption at the 57th PCB meeting (December 2025).
6. 2026 Political Declaration (June 2026).

9. Who is involved?

• UNAIDS is mandated by member states to develop a Global AIDS Strategy every five years. This Strategy informs the next High-Level meeting on AIDS that will take place in June 2026 and support countries to set country and global targets.
• It calls for voices across the HIV response (government, PCB members, civil society, partners) and beyond the traditional HIV/AIDS space to help shape a future where no one is left behind.
• The leadership of this process is critical to its success. Winnie and the two DXDs will play a pivotal role in setting the overall vision, defining parameters, and aligning resources necessary to deliver on this strategy.
• A task team will be established including participation from countries, regions, the Global Center and cosponsors. All UNAIDS staff will be invited to contribute to the Strategy development process through discussions within their teams and online consultations. Within UNAIDS Secretariat the initiative is coordinated by Muleya Mwanandeya and Anne-Claire Guichard.
• The team will ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach to shaping the strategy that will guide the world toward the 2030 goals.