A *new analysis finds that although countries have made significant progress over the past decade, funding gaps, humanitarian crises and persistent inequalities are widening gaps in care for those most at risk.
“This report tells two stories,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “It demonstrates what is possible when countries invest in health, communities and science. But it also shows how quickly progress can be wiped out by funding disruptions, humanitarian emergencies and persistent inequality..”
Millions left behind
By the end of 2025, an estimated 32 million people living with HIV were receiving treatment worldwide. Since 2010, new HIV infections have fallen by 42 percent and AIDS-related deaths by 57 percent.
Yet around nine million people still lack access to life-saving HIV medicines, while infections continue to rise in several regions, particularly among populations facing stigma and discrimination, including sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender people and people in prison.
The picture is also mixed for viral hepatitis.
Annual hepatitis B infections have fallen by almost a third since 2015, and hepatitis C-related deaths have declined. Despite this progress, viral hepatitis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, killing an estimated 1.3 million people in 2024.
At the same time, progress against sexually transmitted infections has slowed.
Although more pregnant women are being screened for syphilis and HPV vaccination coverage has improved slightly, infection rates continue to rise in many countries, while there is growing resistance to antibiotics used to treat gonorrhea.
Financial pressures
The WHO has warned that reductions in funding from international donors will disrupt HIV prevention programs in several countries in 2025, affecting access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medicine that significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV.
Some governments have intervened to maintain services, but early data suggest that PrEP use has already declined in several countries and communities.
The agency also highlighted persistent barriers to diagnosing and treating hepatitis B, despite the availability of highly effective drugs capable of preventing millions of deaths.
Integrated health systems
WHO said integrating HIV, hepatitis and STI services into primary health care is one of the fastest ways to expand access while building more resilient health systems.
The report also highlights innovations such as long-acting HIV prevention medicines, improved diagnostic tools and stronger digital health systems as key opportunities to accelerate progress.
Among the most promising advances is the WHO-recommended twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, which is currently being introduced in 10 countries and planned for 14 more.
Talk to PK Press Club Last month, Mandeep Dhaliwal, director of the Center for Prosperity and Well-being at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), described the drug as a potential game-changer.
“Lenacapavir is a highly effective HIV prevention tool. Administered as an injection only twice a year, it has the potential to transform the HIV response by preventing new infections, particularly among populations most at risk,” she said.
WHO also highlighted the importance of strengthening community leadership, ensuring that those most affected by HIV, hepatitis and STIs help shape health programs and monitor whether services reach those most in need.
“Over the next five years, we must build integrated and resilient health systems that benefit the most disadvantaged,” Tedros said.
*Tuesday World Hepatitis Daythe birthday of the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the hepatitis B virus
