News
The participants noted that, despite decades of progress, HIV remains a global emergency. In 2024 alone, 1.3 million people acquired HIV, a stark reminder that prevention and treatment gaps persist. Economic instability, public health disruptions, conflict, shrinking budgets, and persistent stigma are reversing gains and placing millions at renewed risk, the dialogue noted.
The dialogue also discussed how currently the world has extraordinary scientific advances: long-acting injectable prevention, long-acting treatment, improved diagnostics, and community-led service models. But funding is evaporating.
Religious leaders and institutions present at the dialogue emphasized carrying a sacred responsibility rooted in scripture and tradition: healing, compassion, accompaniment, justice, and protection of human dignity.
They reflected that their faith compels them to reposition HIV in the public agenda, not because it is only a health issue, but because it is fundamentally a justice issue.
Participants stressed that the role of government Is Indispensable. and called for renewed leadership from government at all levels to sustain and increase domestic HIV financing, ensure equitable access to innovations, and strengthen health systems.
The dialogue also noted that people living with HIV, young people, key populations, women, and local leaders are not beneficiaries—they are partners.
The dialogue concluded with an affirmation that faith and science are not competing forces—they are partners in sustaining hope, saving lives, and ending HIV.
