At #UNGA81, governments, communities, UN leaders and global health partners gathered to discuss the transformation of the Joint UN Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) and what is needed to sustain progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The discussion comes as the UN undergoes major reforms and the global health landscape is changing, with countries facing constrained financing, widening inequalities and growing pressure on health systems. For UNAIDS Executive Director @Winnie_Byanyima, transformation is about strengthening country ownership: “Ultimately, transformation is not only about integrating UNAIDS into the UN system, it’s about integrating the AIDS response into stronger national institutions.” Botswana’s Minister of Health Stephen Modise, reflected on what the HIV response has achieved through political leadership, communities, science and partnership. “Our journey has shown what is possible when political leadership, communities, science, and partnership come together with common purpose and coordinated support. We would not have reached this point without the Joint Programme.” As UNAIDS transforms, participants highlighted the importance of preserving the functions that have helped drive progress: political leadership, coordination, accountability, community engagement and support to countries. The message was clear: transformation must help sustain the gains of the HIV response and support countries and communities to finish the job of ending AIDS.

At #UNGA81, governments, communities, UN leaders and global health partners gathered to discuss the transformation of the Joint UN Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) and what is needed to sustain progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The discussion comes as the UN undergoes major reforms and the global health landscape is changing, with countries facing constrained financing, widening inequalities and growing pressure on health systems. For UNAIDS Executive Director @Winnie_Byanyima, transformation is about strengthening country ownership: “Ultimately, transformation is not only about integrating UNAIDS into the UN system, it’s about integrating the AIDS response into stronger national institutions.” Botswana’s Minister of Health Stephen Modise, reflected on what the HIV response has achieved through political leadership, communities, science and partnership. “Our journey has shown what is possible when political leadership, communities, science, and partnership come together with common purpose and coordinated support. We would not have reached this point without the Joint Programme.” As UNAIDS transforms, participants highlighted the importance of preserving the functions that have helped drive progress: political leadership, coordination, accountability, community engagement and support to countries. The message was clear: transformation must help sustain the gains of the HIV response and support countries and communities to finish the job of ending AIDS.

Day 2 took the SADC–China strategic exchange into South Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, with a visit to Cipla South Africa. The visit offered a first-hand look at manufacturing capacity, quality standards and production at scale, while opening discussions on local API production, technology transfer, skills development, investment and industry partnerships. With a footprint across Africa and global-access markets, @Cipla_Global also highlighted the potential for stronger regional manufacturing and industry-to-industry collaboration to expand access to quality, affordable medicines. A key takeaway: stronger partnerships can help turn local manufacturing potential into sustainable production capacity and greater pharmaceutical security.

UNAIDS, together with the Government of South Africa, the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is convening a strategic exchange on pharmaceutical manufacturing and health security in Southern Africa. From 31 August to 4 September, governments, Chinese pharmaceutical companies, regional manufacturers, research institutions, financing and development partners, and the Global Health Innovation Institute (GHII) are coming together to explore opportunities to strengthen regional production of medicines, diagnostics and health technologies. The exchange will focus on technology transfer, investment, innovation, stronger regional value chains and more resilient health systems. Follow along for moments from the exchange. #PartnersForHealthSecurity #SADCChina #HealthSecurity

#HRC62 | The @UN Human Rights Council appointed Mariangela Simao (@mariangelasimao) as Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.