Statement by Prof. Sevil Atasoy, President,
International Narcotics Control Board,
on the occasion of World AIDS Day,
1 December 2025
Vienna, 1 December - On World AIDS Day 2025, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) draws attention to the continuing high rates of HIV infections linked to use of drugs by injection in some parts of the world, including in Pacific island States. INCB is deeply concerned about persistent gaps in the availability of internationally controlled substances such as methadone and buprenorphine, which are essential for opioid agonist therapy.
The emergence of liquid forms of synthetic drugs may lead to increased injection practices, heightening risks of HIV, and other blood-borne infections, including hepatitis B and C.
The theme of World AIDS Day 2025, "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response" is as relevant as ever. Sustainable resources are essential to ensuring that the international community can continue to provide HIV services.
INCB urges Governments, supported by international partners and civil society, to scale up the provision of evidence-based, stigma-free prevention and treatment services for people with drug use disorders. These services - mandated under the drug control conventions - must be accessible to all, regardless of gender. Expanding these services can significantly reduce use of drugs by injection and, in turn, curb HIV transmission.
Closing the gap in access to prevention and treatment services, including to methadone and buprenorphine for opioid agonist therapy, is an urgent priority. Ensuring equitable availability of these services is critical to protecting public health and advancing the ultimate objective of the drug control conventions: safeguarding the health and welfare of humanity.
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For further information, please contact:
INCB Secretariat
Tel.: (+43-1) 26060-4163
Email: incb.secretariat[at]un.org
www.incb.org