WHO Report: Progress and Challenges in Eliminating HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs by 2030

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on July 27, 2026, that while global HIV infections have fallen by 42% since 2010, significant gaps in funding and health system inequalities continue to hinder the elimination of HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by 2030. The findings were released in a new report assessing the Global Health Sector Strategies (GHSS) for 2022–2030.

According to the WHO, an estimated 32 million people living with HIV were receiving treatment by the end of 2025, and AIDS-related deaths decreased by 57% since 2010. However, 9 million people still lack access to life-saving HIV treatment. The agency noted that new infections are still rising in several regions, specifically among sex workers, transgender people, people who inject drugs, people in prisons, and men who have sex with men.

The report was launched during the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026) and ahead of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, 2026.

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.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

Viral Hepatitis and STI Trends

Data from the WHO shows that annual hepatitis B infections decreased by 32% since 2015, and hepatitis C-related deaths fell by 12% globally. Despite these reductions, viral hepatitis remained one of the deadliest infectious diseases, causing an estimated 1.3 million deaths in 2024. Specifically, deaths linked to hepatitis B have increased by 17% since 2015.

The response to STIs has seen mixed results. The WHO reported that countries have improved syphilis screening and treatment during pregnancy and modestly increased HPV vaccination coverage. Conversely, STI rates are rising in several communities, and there is increasing antibiotic resistance to the treatments used for gonorrhoea.

Funding Gaps and Systemic Barriers

The WHO identified several factors stalling progress toward the 2030 goals. In 2025, reductions in international donor funding disrupted prevention programs in multiple countries, which affected access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Preliminary data indicates PrEP use has declined in several communities, though some governments have intervened to sustain these services.

For viral hepatitis, the WHO cited low diagnosis and treatment coverage, particularly for hepatitis B, despite the existence of effective medicines. The agency stated that financial, social, and systemic barriers continue to limit access to testing and care for millions of people.

The global STI response is currently off track due to rising incidence, antimicrobial resistance, and insufficient coverage for cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination. The report noted that gaps in diagnostics, health information systems, and surveillance constrain the ability of countries to scale up prevention and treatment.

Integration and New Medical Innovations

The report suggests that integrating services into primary health care is the most effective way to accelerate progress. The WHO found that countries with the strongest results are combining HIV, viral hepatitis, and STI services with maternal and child health, tuberculosis, sexual and reproductive health, and noncommunicable disease services.

The WHO is prioritizing the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV. The agency stated that a growing number of countries are now applying for WHO validation of elimination.

The WHO is also promoting new technologies and pharmaceutical interventions to close treatment gaps:

• Lenacapavir: A WHO-recommended twice-yearly injectable for prevention. It is currently being introduced in 10 countries, with plans to roll out in another 14.
• Doxycycline PEP: The WHO recommends doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis to reduce bacterial STIs among high-risk populations.
• Digital Health: Expansion of interoperable surveillance systems and multi-disease testing platforms.

To support these efforts, the WHO has released new consolidated HIV service delivery guidelines and HIV surveillance guidance to help countries organize long-term care, testing, and prevention based on current evidence.

This assessment is more than a progress report; it is a practical guide for action for the second half of this strategy period. It highlights where countries are succeeding, where progress is stalling, and where investments can have the greatest impact.

Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs