9 million still miss HIV treatment, WHO warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning that nearly nine million people living with HIV are still without life-saving treatment, threatening global efforts to eliminate HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by 2030. The alert comes amid concerns over funding cuts, humanitarian crises and deepening inequalities, which could undermine decades of progress in combating these diseases. The warning was included in WHO’s latest assessment of the Global Health Sector Strategies (GHSS) on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STIs 2022–2030, unveiled at the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026) in Rio de Janeiro, ahead of World Hepatitis Day. The report acknowledges significant strides made globally over the past decade, including the treatment of approximately 32 million people with HIV by the end of 2025. New HIV infections have dropped by 42 percent since 2010, and AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 57 percent. Despite these achievements, the WHO emphasized that progress remains precarious and vulnerable to reversal without continued investment, robust health systems and active community participation. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the dual nature of the current situation. On one hand, there is evidence of what is achievable when nations prioritize health, communities and scientific innovation. On the other, there are mounting risks from reduced funding, ongoing humanitarian challenges and entrenched social disparities. He urged leaders to develop integrated, resilient health systems capable of reaching marginalized groups. The report notes that nine million individuals still lack access to essential treatment, with new infections persisting in certain areas, especially among high-risk groups such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender individuals and prisoners. Additionally, declines in international donor support in 2025 have impacted HIV prevention initiatives, notably reducing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). While some national governments have taken steps to maintain these programs, early indicators suggest that PrEP usage has waned in multiple locations. Beyond HIV, the report raises alarms about the persistent threat of viral hepatitis. Though annual hepatitis B infections have declined by 32 percent since 2015, and hepatitis C-related fatalities have fallen by 12 percent, the disease continues to claim around 1.3 million lives annually. Deaths attributed to hepatitis B have increased by 17 percent over the last ten years due to insufficient rates of diagnosis and treatment. Progress against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been uneven. While more countries have improved prenatal syphilis screening and broadened human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs, STI cases remain elevated in numerous regions. Antimicrobial resistance, particularly in gonorrhoea, poses a growing public health risk. The report underscores the potential of integrated healthcare to drive faster advancements. WHO recommends that countries deliver HIV, hepatitis and STI services through primary care settings alongside tuberculosis, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, and non-communicable disease initiatives. It also advocates for enhanced utilization of digital health tools, improved disease monitoring frameworks, broader availability of multi-disease testing options, and fair access to novel prevention strategies, such as twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir for HIV and doxycycline for bacterial STI post-exposure prophylaxis. WHO further emphasizes the importance of bolstered community leadership and collaboration in achieving these goals.