A coalition of Nigerian civil society and community networks warned on Sunday that shuttering UNAIDS by 2026 would unravel global HIV gains, risking millions of lives in a shortsighted pivot that ignores uneven progress in low-income nations like Nigeria.

The groups, including the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Nigeria Key Population Health and Rights Network (NKPHRN), International Community of Women Living with HIV – West Africa (ICW-WA), Association of Women Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), Association of Positive Youth Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (APYIN), and Civil Society Network for HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (CiSHAN), issued a joint statement in Abuja decrying the UN80 Initiative's "sunset" recommendation.

They hailed UNAIDS' role in slashing new infections and deaths but stressed disruptions demand sustained coordination toward the 2030 SDG end-AIDS goal.

"Dismantling UNAIDS betrays communities... especially women, youth with HIV, and key populations," the statement read, urging donor confidence and national ownership without the agency's advocacy.

The coalition pressed UN Secretary-General António Guterres to scrap the plan, fortify UNAIDS' mandate, and shield the reform from HIV fallout. "The way forward must reaffirm UNAIDS’ role," they said, vowing partnership to leave no one behind.

As the UN weighs efficiencies, the outcry underscores UNAIDS' lifeline for 39 million living with HIV, where 630,000 died last year per UNAIDS data—progress fragile amid funding dips.