The Holy See has called for renewed global commitment to end AIDS, welcoming the progress made in preventing and treating HIV while stressing that many people, particularly in developing countries, still lack access to life-saving care.

Addressing the 2026 United Nations High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS in New York on Friday, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See noted that new HIV infections have declined in most regions since 2010 and that wider access to antiretroviral treatment has enabled people living with HIV to live longer and healthier lives.

Ensure consistent care for everyone

The delegation said continued investment in health systems, medical research and local production of medicines is essential to ensuring consistent care for everyone.

Quoting Pope Leo XIV, the Holy See warned against overlooking those who remain on the margins of society: "We cannot conceive of a society that races ahead at full speed clinging to the false myths of wellbeing, while at the same time ignoring so many situations of poverty and vulnerability."

The statement placed particular emphasis on children, noting that although they account for just three percent of people living with HIV, they represent twelve percent of HIV-related deaths because of persistent gaps in diagnosis and treatment.

It also stressed the importance of quality antenatal, perinatal and postpartum care for mothers, along with early testing and child-friendly medicines, to improve outcomes for children living with HIV.

Church’s commitment

Concluding its intervention, the Holy See reaffirmed the Church's commitment to caring for people affected by the disease.

"The Catholic healthcare institutions, which provide approximately a quarter of all HIV-related care worldwide, will continue to do their part in their efforts to ensure that all people living with HIV receive treatment and care in line with their inherent human dignity," the delegation said.