HIV infections could rise due to climate change, experts raise concern at COP29

The ongoing climate crisis could disrupt HIV services and worsen risks for vulnerable populations, according to a new report by UNAIDS and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

The warning was issued at the COP29 Climate Conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The report highlights how climate change intensifies challenges like public health infrastructure erosion, food insecurity, water scarcity, and mass displacement, factors that can increase new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, a UNDP press release noted.

“The progress we’ve made in tackling AIDS is fragile and could be undone by runaway climate change,” said Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director.

She said that many of the countries most affected by climate change are also grappling with the highest HIV burdens and severe debt crises, creating a compounding injustice.

Sub-Saharan Africa, home to 3,100 of the 4,000 adolescent girls and young women newly infected with HIV weekly, is particularly at risk.

The region already faces severe heatwaves and droughts, which could render parts uninhabitable, exacerbating health inequalities.

Institutions like the Global Fund to Fight HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria are directing resources to these climate-vulnerable regions, with 70% of their financing earmarked for 50 of the hardest-hit countries.

However, gaps persist.

UNAIDS reports a $9.5 billion shortfall in HIV funding alongside inadequate climate finance and escalating debt burdens.

In Western and Central Africa, for instance, countries spend seven times more on debt repayments than on healthcare. Globally, almost half the population lives in nations where debt servicing overshadows healthcare spending.

The link between climate events and HIV disruption is already evident. In Malawi, Cyclone Freddy struck amid a cholera outbreak, displacing 37,000 people living with HIV and straining healthcare services. Similar scenarios are playing out across other high-burden regions.

At the COP29 sidelines, governments were urged to address inequalities, establish effective governance, and ensure sustainable financing to avoid a climate-induced AIDS crisis.

“The AIDS response shows what is possible when communities, governments, and institutions unite,” said Marcos Neto, Director at UNDP, adding that integrating HIV and health into climate action will protect progress, build resilience, and leave no one behind.