The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the potential reversal of significant health gains made against HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to declining funding and ongoing global challenges.
Despite progress over the past decade, including a 42% reduction in new HIV infections and a 57% drop in AIDS-related deaths since 2010, WHO reports that nearly nine million people still lack access to essential HIV treatment. Vulnerable groups such as sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender individuals, and incarcerated populations continue to face stigma and rising infection rates.
Similarly, while hepatitis B infections have decreased by almost one-third since 2015 and hepatitis C-related deaths have declined, viral hepatitis remains among the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, claiming approximately 1.3 million lives in 2024.
Progress in combating STIs has slowed, with increasing infection rates and rising antibiotic resistance in diseases like gonorrhoea, despite improved screening for syphilis among pregnant women and modest gains in HPV vaccination coverage.
Funding Challenges Undermine Prevention Efforts
WHO highlights that cuts in international donor funding disrupted HIV prevention programs in 2025, particularly affecting access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that significantly reduces HIV transmission risk. Although some governments have tried to sustain services, early data indicate a decline in PrEP use in several countries.
The agency also notes ongoing barriers to diagnosing and treating hepatitis B, despite effective medicines being available.
Integrating Services and Innovations Offer Hope
WHO advocates for integrating HIV, hepatitis, and STI services into primary health care as a rapid way to expand access and strengthen health systems. Innovations such as long-acting HIV prevention drugs, improved diagnostics, and enhanced digital health tools are identified as critical to accelerating progress.
Among promising advances is the twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug lenacapavir, currently introduced in 10 countries with plans for broader rollout. Experts describe lenacapavir as a potential game changer, especially for high-risk populations.
WHO also emphasizes the importance of community leadership in shaping health programs to ensure services reach those most affected.
"Over the next five years, building integrated, resilient health systems that reach those furthest behind is essential," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
