Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a concerning rise in HIV infections, with 1.3 million people contracting the virus in 2024. This increase highlights a stagnation in global prevention efforts, largely attributed to reductions in foreign aid that have disrupted treatment, testing, and community-led programs across the globe.
According to Philippines News Agency, the announcement, made in observance of World AIDS Day, emphasized that the global AIDS response is at a 'critical crossroads'. The WHO stressed that new infections are disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable communities worldwide.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commented on the challenges, noting the significant impact of cuts to international funding and prevention programs. He emphasized the importance of expanding access to new tools as a top priority.
The WHO identified stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers as ongoing obstacles preventing at-risk populations from accessing necessary healthcare. In 2024, approximately 40.8 million people were living with HIV, and 630,000 died from HIV-related causes.
The organization highlighted the severe impact of sudden reductions in international funding, which have led to scaled-back or suspended prevention, testing, and treatment services in several countries.
The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition reported that 2.5 million users of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) lost access in 2025 due to donor cuts. The WHO warned that this setback could have long-lasting effects.
Despite the funding crisis, the WHO pointed to significant progress in 2025 with the approval of lenacapavir (LEN), a highly effective, twice-yearly injectable PrEP option. Designed for those struggling with daily oral medication or facing stigma at health facilities, lenacapavir is described as a 'transformative intervention' by the WHO.
The WHO prequalified lenacapavir on October 6, facilitating rapid approvals in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, director of WHO's HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and STIs department, highlighted the need for urgent action and investment to ensure millions can benefit from these advances in HIV prevention and treatment.
The WHO urged governments to integrate HIV services into primary healthcare, increase domestic investment, and protect the rights of key populations. Despite current disruptions, the agency emphasized the critical role of affected communities in ending AIDS as a public health threat.
The WHO concluded by stating that overcoming disruptions and transforming the AIDS response will require global solidarity and the rapid deployment of innovations to prevent future infections.
