Lenacapavir Injection for HIV Prevention: WHO Recommendation
WHO Issues New Guidance to Combat HIV and STIs Amidst Funding challenges
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Rwanda” title=”… – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia”>Kigali, Rwanda – July 15, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) today unveiled a suite of new and updated guidelines aimed at bolstering global efforts to end AIDS as a public health problem, while also addressing the critical intersection of HIV with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and emerging health threats like mpox. These recommendations come at a crucial juncture, as HIV programs face significant funding challenges, underscoring the urgent need for innovative and equitable strategies.
Strengthening HIV and STI Prevention and Treatment
The updated guidance emphasizes a thorough approach to sexual health, recommending the screening of gonorrhea and/or chlamydia in key and priority populations as part of the management of asymptomatic STIs. This proactive measure is vital for preventing the spread of infections and mitigating potential complications, especially in vulnerable communities.
For individuals living with HIV who contract mpox, the WHO strongly advises the rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), especially for those who are ART-naive or have experienced prolonged interruptions in their treatment. Furthermore, early HIV testing is recommended for anyone presenting with suspected or confirmed mpox infection. The WHO’s standard operating procedures also reinforce the importance of HIV and syphilis testing for all individuals diagnosed with mpox, highlighting the interconnectedness of these health issues.
In response to the broader challenges impacting HIV programs,WHO has released new operational guidance on sustaining priority HIV services in a changing funding landscape. This guidance provides a stepwise framework designed to assist countries in prioritizing essential services, assessing risks, monitoring service disruptions, and adapting their systems to safeguard health outcomes and preserve the progress made in combating HIV.”We have the tools and the knowlege to end AIDS as a public health problem,” stated Dr. Meg Doherty,Director of WHO’s Department of Global HIV,Hepatitis and STI Programmes and incoming director of Science,Research,Evidence and Quality for Health. “What we need now is bold implementation of these recommendations, grounded in equity and powered by communities.”
The Enduring Impact of HIV and the Path Forward
HIV remains a significant global public health concern. By the end of 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people where living with HIV, with a disproportionate burden of 65% residing in the WHO African Region. Globally,approximately 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes,and an estimated 1.3 million new infections occurred, including 120,000 in children. Despite these challenges,access to ART continues to expand,with 31.6 million people receiving treatment in 2024, an increase from 30.3 million in 2023.
At a time of reduced funding for HIV and broader health initiatives, WHO’s new and updated guidelines offer practical, evidence-based strategies to maintain momentum. By expanding prevention and treatment options, simplifying service delivery, and promoting integration with broader health services, these recommendations support more efficient, equitable, and resilient HIV responses. The current moment calls for decisive action to ensure that these advancements translate into tangible real-world impact.
WHO at the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science
The 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025), the world’s most influential meeting on HIV research and its applications, is being held in Kigali from July 13 to 17, 2025.This biennial conference showcases critical advances in basic,clinical,and operational HIV research,driving the translation of science into policy and practice. IAS 2025 sets the standard for HIV science, featuring a diverse range of cutting-edge research.At IAS 2025, WHO will present new normative guidance through key satellite sessions and engage at the highest level to highlight innovations and promote health equity, while also raising awareness about the risks posed by declining global health funding. Detailed information on WHO’s participation at the conference is available here.