UNAIDS Rallies African Leaders to Make Their Own HIV Medicines at UN General Assembly

At the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, UNAIDS brought together African ministers and leaders on 24 September 2026 to push for a bigger goal: Africa producing more of its own HIV medicines and health technologies, instead of waiting for supplies made elsewhere.

What happened at the meeting

The convening was organised by UNAIDS with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the Government of Côte d'Ivoire, Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania and the Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemics. Speakers included UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, Côte d'Ivoire Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Zambia's Health Minister and senior health officials from South Africa, Kenya and Brazil.

Leaders discussed how to harmonise medicine regulations across the continent, expand regional manufacturing capacity and create steady, predictable demand through pooled procurement, so that local factories can operate sustainably. The African Medicines Agency and the African Continental Free Trade Area were highlighted as key building blocks, alongside closer South-South cooperation, especially between Brazil and Africa.

Why it matters for HIV prevention and treatment

New tools such as long-acting HIV prevention injections, mRNA vaccine technologies and shorter TB treatments were cited as examples of scientific progress that must reach people quickly. Byanyima warned that Africa should not be left "at the back of the line" for life-saving medicines, while the Global Network of People Living with HIV stressed that a medicine being available does not automatically mean people can access it.

Access, not just invention Breakthrough HIV medicines only save lives when they are affordable and reach the communities that need them.

Local production Making medicines closer to home can reduce supply delays and dependence on imports.

Lessons for Asia The same access challenges apply across Asia and the Pacific, including Malaysia, as newer prevention options roll out.

What this means for you

Knowing your HIV status is still the first step to accessing prevention or treatment, whatever new medicines become available.
If you may be at ongoing risk, ask a healthcare professional about prevention options such as PrEP, and about PEP after a recent exposure.
If you test reactive on a screening test, get confirmatory testing at a clinic or qualified healthcare service.
HIV is treatable. Starting treatment early supports a long, healthy life and, with sustained viral suppression, prevents sexual transmission.

Health note: This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you may have had a recent exposure, ask a healthcare professional about the most appropriate test and timing.

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Source: UNAIDS press release, "UNAIDS convenes African leaders to build health sovereignty and regional production of essential medicines", 24 September 2026. Illustrative image is AI-generated.