Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has called upon governments and partners worldwide to swiftly expand access to newly approved HIV prevention tools, such as Lenacapavir (LEN), to curb the rate of new infections. The organization highlighted that reductions in foreign aid are causing significant disruptions to essential health services, necessitating urgent action to sustain ongoing treatment and prevention efforts.

According to Kenya News Agency, despite setbacks in funding, the global response to HIV has gained significant traction in 2025 with the introduction and WHO approval of the twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention. LEN offers a long-acting, highly effective alternative to oral medications, making it a transformative option for individuals facing challenges with regular adherence and stigma related to healthcare access.

In July, WHO released new guidelines recommending the use of LEN as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for HIV prevention. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that countries are currently experiencing major challenges, with international funding cuts hampering prevention efforts.

The abrupt reductions in international funding have disrupted HIV prevention, treatment, and testing services. Community-led programs, including PrEP and harm reduction initiatives for individuals who inject drugs, have been scaled back or completely shut down in certain regions. Dr. Tedros stressed the importance of prioritizing access to these innovative tools for individuals at risk of HIV as a top priority for all governments and partners.

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st with the theme "Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response," calls for a dual-track strategy of solidarity and investment in innovations to protect and empower communities most at risk. The global HIV response, after decades of progress, is at a critical juncture. In 2024, prevention efforts stalled, resulting in 1.3 million new infections, disproportionately affecting key and vulnerable populations.

While the full impact of foreign aid cuts is still being evaluated, access to PrEP is believed to have significantly declined. The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition estimates that, as of October 2025, 2.5 million individuals who used PrEP in 2024 lost access to their medications this year due solely to donor funding cuts. WHO warns that such disruptions could have far-reaching consequences on the global HIV response, jeopardizing efforts to end AIDS by 2030.

Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO's Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and STIs, noted, "We are entering a new era of powerful innovations in HIV prevention and treatment. By pairing these advances with decisive action, supporting communities, and removing structural barriers, we can ensure that key and vulnerable populations have full access to life-saving services."

WHO prequalified LEN for HIV prevention on October 6, 2025, followed by national regulatory approvals in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Kenya, as one of the early-adopter countries, is expected to have LEN available by early 2026, with its Ministry of Health finalizing national guidelines for its introduction.

The WHO underscores that ending the AIDS epidemic hinges on an integrated, evidence-based, and rights-driven approach within the framework of primary health care. The organization remains committed to collaborating with partners and leaders to prioritize those most affected in the HIV response. Strengthening health systems, increasing domestic investment, and safeguarding human rights are essential steps to preserve progress and ensure no one is left behind in the fight against HIV.