UNAIDS welcomes the announcement by the government of Côte d'Ivoire to close the funding gap for HIV following cuts from international donors. The Government has committed to invest US$ 60 to 65 million in 2025 and US$ 80 to 85 million from 2026 onwards to maintain critical lifesaving HIV services. These funds are essential to sustain and strengthen the quality of HIV services as part of a nationally owned and led effort to end AIDS in Côte d'Ivoire.
Côte d'Ivoire has been highly dependent on external donor funding for its response to HIV. This announcement represents a monumental shift towards country ownership for a sustainable, long-term commitment to prevent new HIV infections and ensure treatment for all people living with HIV. The government plans to raise the additional funds through increased taxes on goods such as alcohol and tobacco.
"I commend President Ouattara and the government of the Côte d'Ivoire for this bold announcement. It is a prime example of working creatively to ensure that HIV services are not interrupted amidst cuts to donor funding," said Winnie Byanyima Executive Director of UNAIDS. "The commitment to increase domestic resources is an example to other countries facing funding cuts of how to be creative in mobilizing and allocating resources to ensure continued lifesaving HIV services."
The government made the announcement during a three-day visit by Ms Byanyima to Côte d'Ivoire between 16 and 18 July. The government reaffirmed the critical role of civil society and communities in the national HIV response, including through domestic resource allocation to strengthen their contribution to the country's HIV response. It also announced that it would transform the National AIDS Fund into a multi-disease fund, integrate HIV into Universal Health Coverage, primary health care and the broader health system.
Ms Byanyima met with the Prime Minister H.E. Robert Beugré Mambé who said, "Côte d'Ivoire has five priority challenges: women's vulnerability to HIV and ensuring access to prevention for women and girls; enhancing prevention education for young people; addressing declining donor funding through domestic resources; local scientific research and strategic communication to inform, mobilize and save lives." He also applauded the long-standing, strategic collaboration with UNAIDS saying, "Thanks to UNAIDS support, Côte d'Ivoire is winning the battle against HIV."
During her visit, Ms Byanyima participated in the 10th national meeting of the National Programme of the Fight Against AIDS alongside Vice-President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, who is also the chair of the programme. During the meeting, Ms Byanyima was honored with the title of Commander of the Order of Public Health, the highest distinction of merit in the field of health awarded by the President.
"The bold financial commitment made by Côte d'Ivoire is a powerful example of what political will and national leadership can achieve in the HIV response," said Ms Byanyima. "Domestic financing is the cornerstone of sustainable health systems, and this decision sends a strong message of national ownership and resilience."
Ms Byanyima also acknowledged the leadership and critical role of civil society and bilateral support by PEPFAR and international solidarity in the country's HIV response.
Côte d'Ivoire has made significant progress against the AIDS pandemic, with new infections reduced from 25 000 in 2010 to 8200 in 2024, a fall of 66%. Since 2010, AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 75%, down from 34 000 to 8400 in 2024.
UNAIDS
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations-UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank-and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org
