Holy See urges renewed global commitment to end AIDS

2 min read

Speaking at the 2026 United Nations High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS in New York, the Holy See acknowledged declines in new HIV infections since 2010 and credited wider antiretroviral access with longer, healthier lives for people with HIV. The delegation urged renewed global commitment and continued investment in health systems, medical research and local production of medicines to secure consistent care. It highlighted that children, while three percent of people living with HIV, represent twelve percent of HIV-related deaths due to diagnosis and treatment gaps, and stressed antenatal care, early testing and child-friendly medicines. The Vatican reaffirmed that Catholic healthcare provides about a quarter of global HIV care.

Children represent 12 percent of HIV-related deaths.