The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the governments of Botswana and the United States of America, and the European Commission have joined global partners to urge world leaders to get on the path that ends AIDS. This, they say, will also accelerate progress to reach many other of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The call was made at a high-level event, Celebrating Global HIV Progress to End AIDS and Advance the Sustainable Development Goals, held during the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Participants underscored the lifesaving impact of the global HIV response as well as the need for continued support, funding and commitment, including for the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The AIDS response has yielded dividends far beyond HIV, including for broader health, economic and development outcomes. SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing), which includes SDG 3.3 (of which ending AIDS is a part), is within sight. The AIDS response has also generated momentum toward achieving several other SDGs, notably SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).

“PEPFAR is a symbol of the compassion of the American people,” said Ambassador John N. Nkengasong, U.S. global AIDS coordinator and senior bureau official for global health security and diplomacy. “Through PEPFAR, we have changed the course of the AIDS pandemic and advanced SDG 3. The program’s value added has been well documented and advances progress toward other SDGs, including 4 and 5. The ongoing work with our partner governments will help countries achieve UNAIDS’ treatment targets and contribute to SDG 10.”

The AIDS response has brought societies back from the brink. Successful HIV programs have supported the incomes of households affected by HIV by improving wealth and labor market outcomes boosting progress toward SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth).

“Ending AIDS is an indelible legacy that the leaders of today can etch into history by 2030,” said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS. “You wield the power to save millions of lives while advancing health, development and pandemic preparedness. Let us commit to ending AIDS as a reality, not just a dream, to forge a world that is healthier, more equal and more just.”