WHO Urges Rapid Adoption of New AIDS Prevention Tools

2025-12-01 prevention

Geneva, Monday, 1 December 2025.
On World AIDS Day, WHO highlights lenacapavir as a transformative HIV prevention tool amid funding cuts, stressing the need for equitable global access to combat rising infections.

The Role of Lenacapavir in HIV Prevention

Lenacapavir (LEN), recently approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), is at the forefront of innovative HIV prevention tools. This injectable medication offers a long-acting alternative to daily oral pills, providing a significant advantage for individuals facing adherence challenges due to stigma or healthcare access issues. The WHO’s endorsement of LEN underscores its potential to change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic, especially among key populations who are disproportionately affected by new infections [1][8].

Population Health Strategies and Challenges

The global health community continues to grapple with high rates of new HIV infections, which totaled 1.3 million globally in 2024. Key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and people who inject drugs, face a 17 to 34 times higher risk of acquiring HIV compared to the general population. These groups account for nearly half of all new HIV infections, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies [1][6].

Impact of Funding Cuts on HIV Prevention

Recent cuts to foreign aid have disrupted essential health services, leading to a decline in access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for approximately 2.5 million people in 2025. This reduction in funding has caused significant setbacks in the fight against HIV, highlighting the urgent need for reinvestment in health services to ensure equitable access to life-saving interventions [1][5].

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Prevention Technologies

Despite financial retrenchments, the cost-benefit analysis of prevention technologies like LEN remains compelling. The introduction of LEN, with its 99% success rate at preventing HIV, represents a transformative intervention. However, scaling up production and ensuring global access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, requires coordinated global investment and a robust supply chain to overcome current challenges [7][9].

Success Stories and Implementation Insights

Several countries have begun implementing LEN, with early doses reaching Zambia and Eswatini just months after approval. This rapid deployment demonstrates a successful model for other nations aiming to enhance their HIV prevention efforts. The WHO’s support for national regulatory approvals, as seen in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, exemplifies the collaborative approach needed to tackle this public health challenge effectively [1][7].

Bronnen

health services AIDS prevention