The World Health Organisation has marked World AIDS Day 2025 by urging governments and global partners to strengthen political commitment and protect essential HIV services as the world works toward ending AIDS by 2030.
Commemorated on 1 December, this year’s theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response” highlights growing concern over setbacks in treatment and prevention.
WHO said life-saving HIV services are being disrupted in several countries, putting vulnerable communities at greater risk.
WHO stated that despite challenges, communities worldwide continue to show determination, resilience, and innovation in efforts to reduce new infections and save lives.
According to the WHO, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV in 2024, while approximately 630 000 people died from HIV-related illnesses in the same year.
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WHO also reported that 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2024, showing that transmission remains a major public-health issue.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said HIV remains one of the world’s biggest health challenges and stressed that access to prevention, testing, and treatment must be expanded.
He stated that human-rights-centred approaches are essential to ending AIDS.
HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system and is spread through infected body fluids.
WHO noted that symptoms vary, with some people experiencing flu-like signs such as fever, headache, rash, and sore throat. AIDS develops at the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
The organisation said HIV can be prevented and treated, urging the public to use condoms, get tested, consider medical male circumcision, avoid unsafe drug injection, and use PrEP for added protection.
WHO said World AIDS Day remains an important reminder to raise awareness and support access to prevention, treatment, and care for all.
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