By: Umair Ahmad
The world is a complex tapestry of constant change and new challenges, where humanity has faced various trials throughout history. It is a settled principle of the civilized world that when a disease crosses borders to engulf all of humanity, fighting against it becomes not just a medical necessity, but a moral obligation. HIV and AIDS represent such a global crisis, one that has steered the world through difficult times for over four decades. While scientific advancement has turned this condition into a ‘treatable’ state, social attitudes, stigma, and funding crises have left this progress in a state of stagnation.
The 26th International AIDS Conference, taking place from July 26 -30 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a clarion call reminding us that we remain at a decisive turning point. Data from 2023 and 2024 bear witness that the spread of HIV and the mortality rate from AIDS have not yet ceased. Today, 9.2 million people remain deprived of life-saving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and the primary reason remains the same old obstacles: prejudice, discrimination, criminalization laws, and structural inequalities.
The central theme of this conference, #RethinkRebuildRise, is, in fact, a new social contract:
Rethink: We must revisit our outdated models regarding HIV and eradicate the barriers that hinder access to services.
Rebuild: We must build systems that “put people first,” where access to ART is not determined by one’s financial status, but is recognized as a fundamental human right. This requires nations to strengthen domestic financing, improve efficiency, and prioritize sustainability.
Rise: We must build a society through inclusivity, innovation, and sustained collaboration where no one is left behind. The goal of this global movement is to prevent the crisis from escalating further and to establish an effective response based on human rights.
The choice of Brazil is significant because, through its ‘Unified Health System’ and Bolsa Família (conditional cash transfer) programs, the country has proven that when a state makes social security and health a priority, it can effectively reduce disease incidence and mortality. Today, medical treatment is so effective that the virus can be suppressed to an “undetectable” level, meaning it is “untransmittable.” Furthermore, modern “long-acting injectables” like lenacapavir and cabotegravir have created new and successful possibilities for prevention, while long-acting oral prevention technologies are also appearing on the horizon.
In Pakistan, while the vision of the National AIDS Control Program is commendable, we estimate that 0.33 million people are living with HIV. By December 2025, 84,421 HIV cases were registered, with 60,785 individuals receiving treatment at 98 ART centers. These figures indicate that a large population remains outside the scope of “Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis” (PrEP) and diagnosis. This means we must recognize our local needs to formulate a national narrative that is free from prejudice and ensures access for every individual.
Stakeholders from around the world are participating in this global event. The purpose of inviting representative delegations from Pakistan is to enable them to learn from global experiences and adapt them to Pakistan’s specific social and legal context, ensuring a sustainable and dignified future for our youth and affected individuals. We must understand that while rulers around the world may be bound by their interests, it is the duty of every ordinary person to stand on the foundation of humanity. Only by ending prejudice, hatred, and discrimination can we win this war against HIV.
On this significant global milestone, we are deeply grateful to the government and people of Brazil for taking the initiative to host a conference like AIDS 2026. This endeavor in Rio de Janeiro is a ray of hope for all those around the world who are struggling to live a life of dignity with HIV. Brazil’s initiative is proof that when nations unite to face challenges, any mountain of difficulty can be conquered. This conference will surely be remembered in history as a turning point where the world stood united, pledging that no one would be left alone in this fight against HIV. The time has come to unite and build a future where everyone living with HIV can breathe with dignity.
Umair Ahmad
Life Member, Lahore High Court Bar Association
Life Member, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
Member, International Criminal Court Bar Association, The Hague, Netherlands
(M.Phil. Sociology, LL.B., M.Sc. Mass Communication)
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