Prince Harry has warned that devastating funding cuts are threatening to erase decades of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

His appeal came in a new film released during the United Nations General Assembly, produced by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Ron Nyswaner.

Warning of Rising Infections and Deaths

In the UNAIDS video, the Duke of Sussex delivered a stark message about the consequences of financial reductions.
“Right now, babies are being born with HIV due to interruptions in antiretroviral treatment for their mothers,” he said.

“Without urgent action to reverse these crippling funding cuts, 6 million more people will become infected with HIV while 4 million will die from AIDS-related causes within the next four years.”

Harry stressed that the problem extends far beyond vulnerable groups.
“We’ve proven that sustained investment saves lives and builds stronger communities. Abandoning this life-saving work now would be a devastating betrayal of progress for the millions who depend on these essential services.”

Global Voices Join the Call

The film also features actress Charlize Theron, basketball legend Magic Johnson, and South African actress Thuso Mbedu.

Theron, founder of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, declared:

“The end of AIDS is not a distant dream—it is within our grasp, built on decades of relentless activism, advocacy, and shared commitment. From groundbreaking treatments to global solidarity, we’ve built a path to epidemic control. Now, as world leaders gather at the United Nations General Assembly, we have the power to finish what we’ve started. The time to end AIDS is now, and we must have the courage to see it through.”

Johnson, who has lived openly with HIV for decades while combating stigma, joined in his capacity as Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises.

Mbedu, who works with UNAIDS and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility:
“Ending AIDS requires collective action and support of humanity to ensure that no one who needs the lifesaving antiretroviral treatment in Uganda or Mozambique is left behind. World leaders must continue to invest in the global HIV response to save lives.”

Cuts Threaten Health Systems

Severe budget reductions have already led to shortages of healthcare workers and vital data staff in countries heavily affected by HIV, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Eswatini.

The film highlights groundbreaking innovations such as lenacapavir, a drug providing nearly complete protection against HIV through twice-yearly injections. Advocates stress that widespread access to this medication could transform prevention efforts.

The message of the film is clear: achieving the 2030 goal of ending AIDS requires a unified international effort. No nation can succeed alone, and without renewed financial support, years of progress risk being undone.