13th June 2026

A new report, "United to End AIDs", published this week by UN Aids indicates that global progress has been made on the HIV response but that it is a fragile response. Cuts in funding threaten to stall years of progress in the HIV response. Last year external financing for all development sectors fell by 23% compared with 2024. The report highlights that "HIV funding disruptions have severely impacted HIV prevention, testing, critical interventions addressing barriers to services, and community-led services that reach the people most affected by HIV."  In addition, increasing repression of human rights are making the resurgence of an HIV epidemic more likely.  Winnie Byanyima, head of UN Aids, said: “It’s the biggest disruption since the global HIV response was put together and it poses a major threat to the progress we have had.”  The research also found that Community-led organisations have played a key role in providing HIV services to vulnerable groups but that these are  disappearing fast. One survey of 79 community-led organisations across 47 countries found reduction in services of over 80% for groups at highest risk from HIV. 

Loving God, our love goes out to all who suffer with AIDs.  We thank you for medical teams, community organisations, families and friends who support them. We thank you that a significant improvement has been made in HIV support over the past years and that the number of cases has fallen.  So, we bring our concerns to you that this trend is fragile.  Guide the leaders of nations to support this work, financially and politically, so that the number of people at risk will not rise but continue to fall.  May all people in need be embraced by compassion.  May all who bring them hope be wrapped in your blessing.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.  

You can read the Report here.

Tamika Hezzell, is just 12 years of age.  She was with her friend Sofia-Anne, 14, swimming on the north Wales coast. Suddenly, Sofia began having an epileptic fits and was swept out to see. Tamika managed to grab hold of her pull her to the surface and then she began doggy-paddling her back to shore. When they reached more shallow water, they were met by the local coastguard and ambulances who were called to the beach after Sofia - who was at one time was unresponsive - was being battered by the waves. Sofia's relieved mum said: "If it wasn't for Tamika getting Sofia up and out the water, by putting her on her back, she wouldn't be with us today. When Sofia started to fit, Tamika did all she could do to keep Sofia above the water." She added: "Tamika is my little hero - she put Sofia above herself and acted quickly. Without her and the amazing ladies who helped, my baby wouldn't be here today. It doesn't bear thinking about what could have happened. Since the incident I think us mums have since hugged our babies a lot tighter than ever before." 

Mighty God, the heavens declare your glory.

Each plant and animal sings of your beauty.

We praise you, for each person is fearfully and wonderfully made.

We worship and adore you, Lord,

for you are sovereign over everything,

nothing is out of your control.

You are eternal – beyond the bounds of time.

Yet you came to us and experienced our human life.

You died for us, but rose again in glory.

We praise you

that you have opened the gates of heaven to us

that all may go in

and live forever in your Kingdom of love and peace.

How wonderful, how marvellous, Lord, you have been to us.

All glory, honour, majesty and might be to you heaven Father.  Amen.