WHO Urges Global Action as Funding Cuts Threaten HIV Progress Amid Breakthroughs in Prevention
Geneva – The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a stark warning on World AIDS Day, December 1st, 2025, calling for immediate and concerted action from governments and international partners to reverse a worrying trend: stalled progress in the fight against HIV, exacerbated by significant cuts to foreign aid. Despite the recent approval of a game-changing preventative treatment, lenacapavir (LEN), the global response is at a critical juncture, facing both unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges.
The introduction of twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir represents a monumental leap forward in HIV prevention. WHO’s recommendation of this long-acting alternative to daily oral pills offers a transformative solution, particularly for individuals facing barriers to consistent adherence and those grappling with the stigma associated with traditional HIV care. New guidelines released by the WHO in July 2025 formally recognize LEN as a valuable addition to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options.
The Funding Crisis and Its Impact
However, this progress is under severe threat. Sharp and unexpected reductions in international funding have already begun to disrupt essential HIV prevention, treatment, and testing services worldwide. Community-led programs, including vital PrEP initiatives and harm reduction strategies for people who inject drugs, are being scaled back or forced to shut down entirely in numerous countries. This funding shortfall isn’t merely a logistical hurdle; it’s a direct threat to the lives and well-being of millions.
“We face significant challenges, with cuts to international funding, and prevention stalling,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “At the same time, we have significant opportunities, with exciting new tools with the potential to change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. Expanding access to those tools for people at risk of HIV everywhere must be priority number one for all governments and partners.”
Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Data from UNAIDS reveals a deeply concerning trend: nearly half (49%) of all new HIV infections in 2024 occurred among key populations – sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender women, and people who inject drugs, along with their sexual partners. These groups face exponentially higher risks of acquiring HIV: a 17-fold increase for sex workers and transgender women, an 18-fold increase for men who have sex with men, and a staggering 34-fold increase for people who inject drugs. These disparities are rooted in systemic issues of stigma, discrimination, and legal and social barriers that impede access to crucial HIV care.
The impact of funding cuts is already being felt acutely. The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition estimates that, as of October 2025, a devastating 2.5 million individuals who were accessing PrEP in 2024 have lost access to this life-saving medication due solely to donor funding reductions. This disruption jeopardizes the ambitious global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
Did You Know?
A Dual-Track Approach: Innovation and Solidarity
Marking World AIDS Day under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” the WHO is advocating for a two-pronged strategy: bolstering solidarity and investing in innovative solutions to protect and empower the communities most at risk. Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs, emphasized, “We are entering a new era of powerful innovations in HIV prevention and treatment. By pairing these advances with decisive action, supporting communities, and removing structural barriers, we can ensure that key and vulnerable populations have full access to life-saving services.”
The WHO’s prequalification of LEN for HIV prevention on October 6th, 2025, paved the way for national regulatory approvals in South Africa (October 27th), Zimbabwe (November 27th), and Zambia (November 4th), facilitated by the WHO’s Collaborative Registration Procedure (CRP). The organization is actively collaborating with partners like CIFF, the Gates Foundation, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and Unitaid to ensure affordable access to LEN in countries where it is most needed.
But access to medication alone isn’t enough. The WHO stresses the importance of integrating HIV services into primary healthcare systems, adopting an evidence-based, rights-driven approach that prioritizes the needs of those most affected. Strengthening health systems, increasing domestic investment, and safeguarding human rights are crucial steps towards protecting the gains made and ensuring that no one is left behind. What role can local communities play in advocating for increased funding and equitable access to these new preventative measures?
Pro Tip:
The global fight against HIV stands at a crossroads. The availability of innovative tools like lenacapavir offers a beacon of hope, but the looming threat of funding cuts casts a long shadow. The path forward demands unwavering commitment, strategic investment, and a renewed focus on equity and human rights. Will the international community rise to the challenge and ensure that the momentum gained is not lost?
Frequently Asked Questions About HIV Prevention
What is lenacapavir (LEN) and how does it help with HIV prevention?
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable medication approved for HIV prevention. It offers a highly effective alternative to daily oral PrEP, particularly for individuals who struggle with adherence or face stigma.
Why are funding cuts impacting HIV prevention efforts?
Reductions in international funding are disrupting essential HIV prevention, treatment, and testing services, leading to program closures and reduced access to life-saving medications like PrEP.
Which populations are most vulnerable to HIV infection?
Key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender women, and people who inject drugs, face disproportionately higher risks of acquiring HIV due to systemic barriers and stigma.
How can we ensure equitable access to HIV prevention tools like LEN?
Ensuring equitable access requires increased domestic investment, collaboration with international partners, and a commitment to removing structural barriers that hinder access for vulnerable populations.
What is the WHO’s role in addressing the HIV epidemic?
The WHO provides guidance, technical support, and advocacy to countries worldwide to strengthen their HIV responses, promote innovation, and ensure access to essential services.
What is PrEP and how effective is it in preventing HIV?
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, involves taking medication to prevent HIV infection. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective, reducing the risk of HIV acquisition by over 99%.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about HIV prevention and treatment. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
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