A new analysis reveals that despite significant progress over the past decade in tackling HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), funding shortfalls, humanitarian emergencies, and ongoing inequalities are widening gaps in care for vulnerable populations.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “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.”
By the end of 2025, approximately 32 million people living with HIV were receiving treatment globally. Since 2010, new HIV infections have declined by 42% and AIDS-related deaths by 57%. However, around nine million people still lack access to life-saving HIV medicines, and infections continue to rise in some regions, especially among stigmatized groups such as sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender individuals, and incarcerated populations.
Annual hepatitis B infections have dropped by nearly one-third since 2015, and deaths linked to hepatitis C have decreased. Despite these gains, viral hepatitis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, causing an estimated 1.3 million deaths in 2024.
WHO warned that reductions in international donor funding in 2025 disrupted HIV prevention programs in several countries, limiting access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that significantly lowers the risk of acquiring HIV.
To expand access and build more resilient health systems, WHO recommends integrating HIV, hepatitis, and STI services into primary health care.
Loading comments.