HIV, hepatitis, STI gains at risk as funding falls, WHO warns | Report
Years of progress in tackling HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are at risk of stalling, leaving millions without access to life-saving prevention, testing and treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned, according to a press release. A new analysis released on 28 July 2026 found that while countries have made significant advances over the past decade, funding shortfalls, humanitarian crises and persistent inequalities are widening gaps in care. The report signals that hard-won global health gains could quickly unravel without sustained investment.
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. Infections continue to rise in several regions, particularly among sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender people and people in prisons. Viral hepatitis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, claiming an estimated 1.3 million lives in 2024.
Annual hepatitis B infections have declined by nearly one-third since 2015, and deaths linked to hepatitis C have fallen. Progress against STIs, however, has slowed, with more pregnant women screened for syphilis and modest gains in HPV vaccination coverage. Infection rates continue to rise in many countries, while resistance to antibiotics used to treat gonorrhoea is growing. WHO warned that reductions in international donor funding disrupted HIV prevention programmes in several countries during 2025. Early data suggest use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has already declined in several countries and communities.
“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 undone with funding disruptions, humanitarian emergencies and persistent inequalities.”
The agency also highlighted continuing barriers to diagnosing and treating hepatitis B, despite the availability of highly effective medicines. Some governments have stepped in to maintain services amid the funding pressures.
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 highlights innovations such as long-acting HIV prevention medicines, improved diagnostic tools and stronger digital health systems. Among the most promising advances is the WHO-recommended, twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, now being introduced in 10 countries, with rollout planned in a further 14. WHO also stressed the importance of strengthening community leadership so people most affected help shape health programmes.
“Over the next five years, we must build integrated, resilient health systems that reach those furthest behind,” Tedros said.