Key highlights from the opening speech by @floriako at the UN Interactive Multistakeholder Hearing on 14-05-2026 in New York.
"The ambition has been to protect life and secure quality of life for all. We must not lose sight of this fundamental purpose. With fewer than fo ur years remaining until 2030, 9 million people living with HIV still lack access to treatment."#PLHIVLeadersNow #HIV
These are virtual candles from all around the world this International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
This year's theme calls upon:
REMEMBERANCE: the lives and leadership of PLHIV lost to AIDS and the communities who fought for treatment, dignity and justice.
ADVANCEMENT: Of the scientific progress and PLHIV led interventions, from U=U to expanded treatment access and innovations that will keep us alive.
ACTION: with urgency to end AIDS deaths, end stigma and discrimination, amplify young PLHIV leadership and ensure no one is left behind as we work toward HIV epidemic control.
For people living with HIV, the Candlelight Memorial is a promise to shape a future where every PLHIV can live and thrive with full dignity, health and rights.
Today, 17 May 2025, is the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.
We commemorate it this year under the theme "Light the Legacy. Remember. Advance. Act," honoring the resilience, leadership and courage of people living with HIV across generations.
The #AIDSCandlelightMemorial is a day of remembrance and reflection of the lives lost to AIDS, and has been commemorated every third Sunday of May since 1983.
AIDS Candlelight memorial continues to offer a chance to reaffirm our #committment to supporting #PLHIV worldwide.
Let us continue to remember our leaders by lighting a virtual candle here:
/virtual-candles/light-a-candle/
Or scan the barcode [SCREENSHOT}
#PLHIVLeadersNow #AIDSCandlelightmemorial
The opening speech by @floriako remains powerful and thought-provoking.
It places us right at reflection on how the HIV response must move from emergency response to sustainable systems
#plhivleadersnow
Find the full speech is on the GNP+ website: /4hmvh65r
he Interactive Multi-Stakeholder Hearing (MSH) happens tomorrow, 14 May 2026 in New York. GNP+ will represent in the following sessions:
- Opening Session: Florence Riako Anam, Co-Executive Director, Global Network of People living with HIV (GNP+)
- Panel 1: Cyprian Narzis Komba, The Network of Young People living with HIV Tanzania (NYP+), Tanzania
- Closing Session: Tatenda Makoni, Zimbabwe National Network for People Living with HIV (ZNNP+), Zimbabwe
You can follow the proceedings virtually here, scan the QR Code on poster (screenshot)
Find the programme and concept note below:
https://lnkd.in/dcb54GJG
At a crucial crossroads, GNP+ shares the PLHIV ASKs, Solution Statements and Leadership Commitments for the upcoming 2026 United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting (HLM) on HIV/AIDS document.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all stakeholders, communities and PLHIV for your contributions and input into the statement.
People living with HIV (PLHIV) enter the 2026 High-Level Meeting #UNHLM2026 with renewed leadership and conviction.
Despite having the tools needed to end AIDS, the HIV response remains standing at dangerous crossroads.
Hard-won gains are being eroded by shrinking resources, rising inequality and political backlash against human rights.
Health systems are strained, PLHIV organisations are underfunded and millions of PLHIV face persistent challenges in accessing lifesaving treatment, prevention and care.
Scan the QR-Code and read the full statement #PLHIVLeadersNow #UNHLM2026
Opportunity!
Emerging Voices is back and it’s your chance to develop real scientific journalism skills in a professional, supportive environment.
If you’re passionate about HIV, science communication, or want to turn your writing into impactful health journalism, this is for you to join the new writers’ team at @nam_aidsmap .
Link: /news/apr-2026/wanted-new-writers-aidsmap
You’re Invited to [PLHIV Convening #23: Strategy to Action for HLM 2026]
PLHIV leaders and community advocates, this moment is ours! As the world prepares for the 2026 High Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS, GNP+ is bringing our communities together to make sure PLHIV voices lead the agenda.
Join us for a powerful session where we deepen our understanding of the HLM process, sharpen our collective messages, and strengthen the leadership that drives our movements.
🗓 23 April 2026
⏰ 12:00 CET / 17:00 ICT
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MOZBWWqUQ1eyX3Sbhpg1MA
🚨 Join us for the Webinar this week on CROI 2026 Takeaways: What are the new science updates?
Don’t miss this dynamic webinar sharing the latest breakthroughs from the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections #CROI 2026, the world’s premier platform for cutting-edge HIV research.
We’ll dive into the most exciting updates, including:
✅ Advances in long-acting therapies
✅ Emerging cure strategies
✅ New evidence shaping global HIV policy and programming
📅 Thursday, 16 April 2026
⏲️ 1pm CET/ 2pm EAT
Register now👇
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4ihE5scITJqUdULlBeITCg#/registration
This session will help us all to stay ahead of the science and translate the latest findings into our work.
@yes_i_have_hiv@laurathuo@adaobi.lisa
Save the date!
Following the Global AIDS Strategy, @gnpplus is mobilizing PLHIV leaders for the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS in June 2026.
This meeting will shape global commitments that directly impact country-level HIV programmes. PLHIV voices must be at the centre.
GNP+ is convening PLHIV leaders and networks for the next STRATEGY TO ACTION webinar dedicated to #UNHLM2026.
Together, we will define strong PLHIV positions and coordinated advocacy for a bold political declaration that secures a sustainable HIV response beyond 2030.
Date: April, 23
Time: 12pm CET
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MOZBWWqUQ1eyX3Sbhpg1MA#/registration
Happy Easter from all of us at @gnpplus
This weekend, as we celebrate renewal and hope, our offices will be closed from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April. We’ll be back on Tuesday 7 April.
While we’re on break, we’re pleased to share the #recordings of our two recent online PLHIV convening that focused on the new Global AIDS Strategy 2026–2031.
For PLHIV leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Canada, North and West Africa: /watch?v=ZV7s4TGQCpU
For PLHIV leaders in Central and East Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific: /watch?v=k56u-yvycmQ
Wishing you all moments of joy, connection, and rest this Easter weekend.
#PLHIVLeadersNnow
With profound sadness and deep gratitude, @gnpplus mourns the passing of Stephen Lewis, a former UN Special Envoy on HIV and AIDS in Africa and founder of the @stephenlewisfdn .
PLHIV communities remember Stephen Lewis’s dedication to the HIV response and to closing the HIV treatment gap, efforts that helped save millions of lives, especially across Africa."
Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Full Statement: /latest/news/plhiv-networks-remembers-stephen-lewis/
Rest in power!
![You’re Invited to [PLHIV Convening #23: Strategy to Action for HLM 2026]PLHIV leaders and community advocates, this moment is ours! As the world prepares for the 2026 High Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS, GNP+ is bringing our communities together to make sure PLHIV voices lead the agenda.Join us for a powerful session where we deepen our understanding of the HLM process, sharpen our collective messages, and strengthen the leadership that drives our movements. 23 April 2026⏰ 12:00 CET / 17:00 ICTRegister here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MOZBWWqUQ1eyX3Sbhpg1MA](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6739272325303367726123_0_ae41ef9f3f593e61b113adad873cf45e.jpg?o=aHR0cHM6Ly9zY29udGVudC1sZ2EzLTIuY2RuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS92L3Q1MS44Mjc4Ny0xNS82NzEyMTY4MDlfMTgwOTI1ODI4NDYxODIwOTdfNTY0NzY3MzAxNjE5NzQ0MDQxNV9uLmpwZz9zdHA9YzY0LjAuNjYwLjY2MGFfZHN0LWpwZ19lMTVfczY0MHg2NDBfdHQ2Jl9uY19odD1zY29udGVudC1sZ2EzLTIuY2RuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbSZfbmNfY2F0PTEwNSZfbmNfb2M9UTZjWjJnRVA0b3FrNEhzLU93bVVmWUtIeUwzWEktQWhPdkFCeHlDRVBBaDJaRGZvdm9GNmVqaFJqSFM0LTlOdm9zMGdZU01oUjhOVk1YYXN3VXVjMmFsdVVZQjEmX25jX29oYz10ZTdiMlJhUW5WVVE3a052d0dINzBwViZfbmNfZ2lkPV9oZXFUZWx5SzFMTUhNVnBYWTRrWHcmZWRtPUFQVTg5RkFCQUFBQSZjY2I9Ny01Jm9oPTAwX0FmNGszSnU2QmowRHVRYlJOZmNrZ2FteDBfc3lraFp0V1dXYTNHVzVnZDB4OWcmb2U9NkEwRjY0RjYmX25jX3NpZD1iYzBjMmM=&h=558bb24d30b365f9e6f2f1996201e209)
