WHO warns of HIV infections surge amid funding cuts
Marking World AIDS Day, the WHO emphasized that the global fight against AIDS has reached a “critical crossroads,” with new infections disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations.
“We face significant challenges, with cuts to international funding and prevention stalling,” said Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “At the same time, we have significant opportunities … Expanding access to new tools must be priority number one.”
The agency warned that stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers continue to prevent those most at risk from receiving essential health services. In 2024, approximately 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally, and 630,000 died from HIV-related causes.
Sudden reductions in international funding this year have had “severe and immediate” consequences, with prevention, testing, and treatment programs scaled back or suspended in multiple countries. The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition reported that 2.5 million people who relied on PrEP in 2024 lost access in 2025 due solely to donor cuts, a setback the WHO warned could have long-term effects.
Despite the funding challenges, progress has been made with the 2025 introduction of lenacapavir (LEN), a highly effective, twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis approved by the WHO. Intended for individuals who struggle with daily oral medication or face stigma at health facilities, lenacapavir has been described as a “transformative intervention.” The WHO prequalified the drug on October 6, facilitating rapid approvals in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
“We are entering a new era of powerful innovations in HIV prevention and treatment,” said Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, director of WHO’s HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs department. “But without urgent action and investment, millions will not benefit from these advances.”
The WHO called on governments to integrate HIV services into primary health care, increase domestic investment, and protect the rights of key populations. Despite current disruptions, the agency noted that the resilience and determination of affected communities remain central to ending AIDS as a public health threat.
“Overcoming disruption and transforming the AIDS response,” the WHO stated, “requires both global solidarity and rapid deployment of innovations that can prevent the next million infections.”
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