In response to the UN HLM on HIV/AIDs taking place on 22 and 23 June 2026, the World Hepatitis Alliance and partners have released the below statement:

The World Hepatitis Alliance, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Global Network of People Living with HIV, International Community of Women Living with HIV Eastern Africa, International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users, PATH, and Y+ Global welcome the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDs on 22 and 23 June 2026.  

HIV and hepatitis often disproportionately affect the same communities. Millions of people living around the world with HIV are also living which chronic hepatitis B or C. Many living with HIV and chronic hepatitis B may also be unknowingly living with hepatitis Delta. It is crucial that people living with HIV and/or hepatitis, particularly key populations such as young people, have access to essential, comprehensive prevention and treatment services to fight both epidemics.  

We welcome the political declaration’s commitment to integrate hepatitis programmes into HIV services and HIV-related health and community systems. However, we urge Member States to strengthen this through committing to the triple elimination of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B to ensure that all pregnant women, their newborns and families receive comprehensive, person-centred care. By scaling up triple elimination programmes, Member States can strengthen health systems, improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in access to care.  

We encourage Member States to recommit to expanding harm reduction programmes as outlined in the previous political declaration. Harm reduction services are essential to providing holistic and equitable access to prevention, treatment, and care for people at risk of HIV and hepatitis. Member States must reinforce their previous commitment in the new political declaration to ensure continued access to these vital services to reduce the burden of HIV and hepatitis globally.  

Lastly, hepatitis B and HIV are often treated using the same medicines. With the introduction of dual and long-acting therapies transforming the treatment landscape for HIV, we urge Member States to ensure that everyone living with HIV is tested for hepatitis B before changing regimens. Those found to be also living with hepatitis B must continue to receive the appropriate care and treatment.   

The World Hepatitis Alliance, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Global Network of People Living with HIV, International Community of Women Living with HIV Eastern Africa, International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users, PATH, and Y+ Global stand ready to work together with Member States to continue to advancing efforts to end AIDS and viral hepatitis as public health threats worldwide.