WHO Warns HIV and Hepatitis Progress Under Threat

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the global progress in combating HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), stating that this progress is under threat due to funding cuts, humanitarian crises, and persistent inequalities. This warning coincided with World Hepatitis Day, as WHO released a report indicating that while significant advancements have been made over the past decade, recent funding shortfalls are reversing these gains.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that approximately 32 million people were receiving HIV treatment globally by the end of 2025, with new HIV infections decreasing by 42% and AIDS-related deaths falling by 57% since 2010. However, an estimated nine million individuals still lack access to essential HIV medicines, and infections are rising among marginalized populations facing stigma.

The report also highlighted mixed progress in viral hepatitis, with 1.3 million deaths attributed to the disease in 2024. WHO called for the integration of HIV, hepatitis, and STI services into primary healthcare and identified innovations like the injectable lenacapavir as breakthroughs in HIV prevention.