The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has issued a grave warning: slashing funding for global HIV efforts could lead to 6 million new infections and 4 million AIDS-related deaths by 2029.

This alarming forecast was revealed in UNAIDS’ latest 2025 Global AIDS Update released on Thursday. The agency stressed that urgent global action is needed to prevent decades of hard-won progress in combating HIV/AIDS from being undone.

According to the report, earlier this year, the world’s largest donor pulled back significant support for HIV programs. This sudden funding cut severely disrupted treatment and prevention services in many countries, putting millions of lives at risk.

“We are at a critical point,” the agency said. “Without renewed investment, we could face a disastrous setback, seeing millions of avoidable infections and deaths.”

UNAIDS is calling on international donors and governments to step up funding and prioritize HIV response efforts to protect vulnerable communities and maintain momentum toward eventually ending the epidemic.

Health advocates say this is not just about numbers — it’s about safeguarding the lives of millions who rely on sustained HIV care and prevention services.