HIV, hepatitis, STI gains at risk as funding falls, WHO warns

Years of progress in tackling HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are at risk of stalling, leaving millions of people without access to life-saving prevention, testing and treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.A *new analysis found that while countries have made significant advances over the past decade, funding shortfalls, humanitarian crises and persistent inequalities are widening gaps in care for those most at risk.“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.”Millions left behindBy 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 per cent and AIDS-related deaths by 57 per cent.Yet around nine million people still lack access to life-saving HIV medicines, while infections continue to rise in several regions, particularly among populations facing stigma and discrimination, ...