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UNAIDS executive, director Winnie Byanyima, has slammed developed countries for scaling down on investment in the fight to end HIV and AIDS, emphasising the role donors play.

In the 53rd Meeting of the UNAIDS programme co-ordinating board chaired by Byanyima, she underscored the importance of multilateralism.

"We cannot solve a pandemic in some countries and not others; for some populations and not others. I am deeply concerned that some countries are scaling back investment and scaling back on commitments to fight stigma and discrimination" Byanyima remarked.

Byanyima made the remarks while opening the 53rd UNAIDS board meeting on December 12, 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.

In the event that runs to December 14, 2023, Byanyima stressed the responsibility the stakeholders play in the HIV and AIDS fight.

"Our responsibility to affected people will remain until there’s a cure or a vaccine, but we will be able to shift from an emergency response to sustaining access to medicines, HIV prevention and human rights for people to thrive," she added.

She also reminded the delegates on the achievements the organisation has received from countries joining resources and working together.

"Your collective leadership has shown that multilateralism can work, and can save lives," Byanyima said, adding: “Let us be the evidence that multilateralism works, that co-operation saves lives and that the global community will keep its promise to people living with HIV".

"The AIDS response has transformed expectations of what global health can be and expectations of justice, equity, and wellbeing for all. For this we should be proud," she said.

Byanyima in the meeting listed the urgent actions for all countries to follow in HIV response.

UNAIDS guidelines to expedite the HIV/AIDS fight include; 'identify inequalities with data, Revolutionize prevention, Follow evidence for policies, Increase resources, Team up to get best HIV technologies and Strengthen multisectoral response according to the UNAIDS X, formerly Twitter, handle.