World AIDS Day 2025 – Speech for the UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia

Your Excellency, Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National AIDS Commission; Distinguished government officials, Members of the Honorable Legislature, development partners, Civil Society Leaders, Community Advocates, and members of the media—
I bring you greetings on behalf of the United Nations Family.

Today, Liberia joins the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” This theme is an important opportunity to highlight the impact that the funding cuts from international donors have had on the response to AIDS as well as to showcase the resilience of countries and communities stepping up to protect the gains made and drive the HIV response forward. It reminds us that, despite the many shocks of recent years —from pandemics to economic pressures and humanitarian challenges—the commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat must remain unwavering.

Liberia has made significant strides: new infections continue to decline with a 69% reduction since 2010; treatment coverage among those who know their status is above 98%, contributing to a 74% reduction in AIDS-related deaths; and communities are leading innovative approaches to prevention, care, and support. These gains represent the collective effort of government leadership, strong community engagement, and the unwavering support of international and national partners.

But we must also recognize the challenges that persist. Disruptions in service delivery, funding gaps, stigma and discrimination, and inequalities in access continue to stand in the way of progress. Too many people still face barriers simply because of who they are or where they live.

Sustainability is not just important—it’s essential. The future of the HIV response cannot and must not depend solely on external funding. We have to take ownership. That means mobilizing domestic resources, integrating HIV services into stronger health systems, and investing in local capacity and resilience. Liberia’s World AIDS Day theme—“Mobilizing domestic support, transforming the AIDS response”—is a clear signal: the government is ready to lead, and now is the time for all of us to act.

So what does that look like in practice?

• First, we must mobilize domestic resources to guarantee long-term funding for prevention, treatment, and social support.
• Second, we need resilient health systems that can withstand shocks and deliver integrated services for HIV, TB, and other priorities.
• Third, we must empower communities to lead and sustain solutions, because community-led responses are the backbone of progress.
• Finally, we have to embrace innovation and partnerships to ensure cost-effective interventions and equitable access for everyone.

This is not just a plan—it’s a call to action and here is where leadership matters most:

To our legislators: We call on you to prioritize HIV in national budgets and enact policies that protect the rights of all people, especially the most vulnerable.

To the private sector: We invite you to join this effort—not only through financial contributions but by creating inclusive workplaces, supporting health insurance schemes, and investing in innovations that strengthen the health system. 

To the young people of Liberia: You are the generation that will finish this fight. Your voices, your leadership, and your innovation are essential to sustaining progress. The future belongs to you—let it be a future free from AIDS, where health, equality, and hope thrive.

We express deep gratitude to our development partners NGOs, bilateral and multilateral partners for accompanying Liberia during this time of consolidation and transition and for your unwavering support. The recent Global Fund replenishment secured US$11.34 billion toward its US$18 billion target for 2026–2029 is one of the clear sign of this. 

On this World AIDS Day, I reaffirm the United Nations’ commitment to working alongside the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Health, the National AIDS Commission, civil society, networks of people living with HIV, key and vulnerable populations, and all partners to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable HIV response—one that ensures every person has access to the services, dignity, and rights they deserve.

Liberia has the knowledge, the partnerships, and the community strength necessary to end AIDS. What we need now is continued courage, sustained domestic investment, and shared responsibility.

Let this day renew our commitment—because an AIDS-free Liberia is possible, and together, we can achieve it.

Thank you.