Statement by Sweden at UNGA High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS

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Madam President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Sweden aligns itself with the statement made by the EU, and its Member States. 

Many of us in this room remember the start of the HIV-epidemic in the 1980s. The public fear, the lack of knowledge and treatment, the stigma, the suffering, friends and families who lost beloved ones.

Since then, we have come far. Decision makers today have access to knowledge to improve lives, reduce suffering and deaths. Since 2000, mortality from AIDS, as well as maternal and child mortality, has declined dramatically—results of political will, science, and multilateral cooperation that must be safeguarded. These hard-won historic gains must be defended.

Sweden was the first country to year 2024 reach the 95-95-95 target, an achievement that did not come without effort. An effort that must continue for all countries, despite our different starting points.

The work against stigma and discrimination continues, as does the work to reach the 10-10-10 targets. Knowledge about HIV must be spread widely to the public but also targeted, and not least to the younger generation, who did not experience the start of the HIV-epidemic.

Human rights and gender equality remain central in a changing global health landscape. The full and equal enjoyment of Sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, is non-negotiable and Sweden remains committed to a human rights-based, inclusive, and evidence-driven global HIV response. 

Inequalities are key drivers of the HIV epidemic, and we support strengthened country-led efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and harmful practices. Nationally owned data systems are essential to monitor progress.

It is a shared commitment and obligation to advance human rights and gender equality, including for key populations, such as LGBTQI persons, people in prostitution, people who inject drugs, and persons in prisons. 

The UN80 and ongoing reforms of the global health architecture will impact the HIV/AIDS work and structures. The core functions of UNAIDS must be preserved, independent of a single institutional structure. We support the Global AIDS Strategy 2026-2031. 

Finally, Sweden emphasizes the importance of civil society leadership, including the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV, and the need for a safe and enabling environment for their engagement. 

Thank you.