The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that global progress in the fight against HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is under threat, with millions losing access to essential prevention, testing and treatment due to funding cuts, humanitarian crises and persistent inequalities.
The warning came as the world marked World Hepatitis Day, with a new WHO report showing that although major gains have been recorded over the past decade, recent funding shortfalls are reversing progress.
“This report tells two stories. It demonstrates what is possible when countries invest in health, communities and science.
“But it also shows how quickly progress can be undone with funding disruptions, humanitarian emergencies and persistent inequalities,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
According to WHO, about 32 million people were receiving HIV treatment globally by the end of 2025. Since 2010, new HIV infections have dropped by 42 per cent, while AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 57 per cent.
However, an estimated nine million people still lack access to life-saving HIV medicines, with infections continuing to rise among vulnerable populations facing stigma and discrimination.
The report also noted mixed progress on viral hepatitis. While hepatitis B infections and hepatitis C deaths have declined, the disease still claimed an estimated 1.3 million lives in 2024. Progress in tackling STIs has also slowed.
The Organisation said “reduced international donor funding disrupted HIV prevention programmes in several countries in 2025, limiting access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medicine that significantly lowers the risk of HIV infection.”
It called for the integration of HIV, hepatitis and STI services into primary healthcare and highlighted innovations such as long-acting HIV prevention medicines, improved diagnostics and stronger digital health systems.
It also identified the twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, now being introduced in 10 countries, as a major breakthrough in preventing new HIV infections.
“Over the next five years, we must build integrated, resilient health systems that reach those furthest behind,” Tedros said.
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