United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) will not be phased out, following a decision by its Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) to transform and strengthen the organisation rather than discontinue its operations.

The board reaffirmed its support for a continued, streamlined and efficient UNAIDS Joint Programme, stressing that the transition must protect people and communities living with, at risk of and affected by HIV, while ensuring that governments and communities sustain and strengthen gains made in the AIDS response.

In a statement issued after a special session in Geneva yesterday, UNAIDS said board members unanimously supported the continuation of the programme and approved the overall strategic direction for its transition.

The decisions are aligned with the United Nations secretary-general’s UN80 reform initiative, which seeks to improve the effectiveness of the organisation.

Under the proposed transition, UNAIDS will retain its mandate on HIV, supported by a strong and focused secretariat responsible for four core functions. Its co-sponsors are expected to assume stronger leadership in technical areas in line with the established division of labour.

The strategic direction also places communities at the centre of the programme’s operations at every level, with greater emphasis on co-creation and co-leadership.

Meanwhile, some programme countries have pledged support for UNAIDS amid funding cuts and the possibility of countries withdrawing their support.