WHO Chief Calls for Renewed Global Commitment to End AIDS at Kigali Conference

WHO Chief Calls for Renewed Global Commitment to End AIDS at Kigali Conference
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The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday urged world leaders to prioritize HIV prevention and foster meaningful partnerships to achieve the goal of ending AIDS, Anadolu Agency reported.

Speaking at the International AIDS Society conference on HIV Science, Tedros emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among governments, scientists, civil society, and affected communities to sustain advances in treatment, prevention, and care services. He warned that recent abrupt funding withdrawals are severely disrupting access to life-saving HIV programs in many countries.

The conference brought together over 3,000 global leaders, researchers, and civil society representatives to discuss the future of the HIV response. During the event, WHO issued new guidelines endorsing injectable lenacapavir (LEN) as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option, alongside injectable antiretroviral treatments.

LEN, the first twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention product, offers a long-acting alternative to daily oral pills. WHO highlighted its potential to improve adherence and reduce stigma for people at risk, particularly those facing challenges with daily medication or healthcare access.

Despite progress, HIV prevention efforts have stagnated, with an estimated 1.3 million new infections reported in 2024. Key and priority populations continue to bear a disproportionate burden.

By the end of 2024, approximately 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally, with 65% residing in the WHO African region.

Tedros called on world leaders to uphold their commitments, invest in global HIV research, and resist the politicization of science to turn the tide against the epidemic.