The World Health Organisation has issued an urgent call to African governments, urging them to strengthen their commitment to ending HIV across the continent. This appeal comes as disruptions in global funding threaten to reverse the significant progress made in the fight against AIDS over recent decades.
Protecting Decades of HIV Progress
In a message marking the 2025 World AIDS Day, Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the critical need for a stronger, more self-reliant approach to HIV response. He highlighted that pullbacks in international support make it more urgent than ever to safeguard the infrastructure that supports testing, treatment, and prevention services.
Dr Janabi revealed that the African Region has achieved remarkable success over the past decade. New HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have each fallen by more than half since 2010, representing one of the most significant public health achievements in recent memory.
Innovative Solutions and Local Success Stories
The WHO official pointed to several positive developments, including that 21.7 million people living with HIV now receive lifesaving antiretroviral therapy across Africa. Countries are increasingly embedding HIV services within primary health care systems, ensuring more inclusive and people-centered care.
Dr Janabi specifically highlighted Botswana's achievement of Gold Tier status for eliminating mother-to-child transmission as evidence of what sustained commitment can deliver. He also commended South Africa for becoming the first African country to license Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention medicine that requires only two injections per year.
Combating Misinformation and Building Resilience
The Regional Director issued a strong warning about the dangers of misinformation, stating that false information can be as damaging as service disruptions. He emphasized the need to defend scientific freedom and promote evidence-based policies while continuing to support community leadership.
During recent crises, youth networks in several countries demonstrated innovative approaches by using WhatsApp and local radio to share reliable information and encourage adherence to HIV treatment regimens.
Dr Janabi called on all Member States and partners to transform HIV response through increased domestic investment and innovative financing. He stressed the importance of strengthening health systems to deliver reliable, equitable services for all, while tackling stigma, misinformation, and discrimination that continue to affect marginalized groups.
As WHO, we stand ready to support countries and communities in transforming HIV services into resilient, inclusive, and sustainable systems, especially through these changing times, he affirmed. Quoting an African proverb, he added: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
The 2025 World AIDS Day carries the theme Overcoming Disruption: Transforming the AIDS Response, reflecting the current challenges and opportunities in the fight against HIV across Africa.
