The World Health Organization (WHO) says 21.7 million people living with HIV in Africa are now receiving life-saving treatment, but warns that this progress remains fragile amid reduced global funding and growing misinformation.
In his World AIDS Day 2025 message, WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Mohamed Janabi said the continent must “renew our shared commitment to ending HIV in Africa”, emphasizing that despite achievements, “progress remains fragile”.
He said this year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruption: Transforming the AIDS Response,” speaks to the urgency of redefining strategies in an era when financial support for HIV programs is shrinking.
“This issue challenges us to redefine our response to an unprecedented HIV funding landscape that threatens decades of progress,” he said. “These setbacks make it more urgent than ever to safeguard achievements and protect lives.”
He noted that the growing number of Africans receiving antiretroviral therapy reflects years of sustained work to expand access. However, he warned that maintaining these achievements will require stronger and more self-sufficient systems.
“Across Africa, countries are working to integrate HIV services within primary health care systems, ensuring inclusive and people-centred care,” he said, adding that protecting testing, treatment and prevention infrastructure must remain a priority.
Highlighting new tools that could accelerate progress, Dr. Janabi highlighted Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection given twice a year. “WHO commends South Africa for being the first African country to authorize the use of Lenacapavir to prevent HIV, and we hope that more African countries will follow suit,” he said.
He also warned against growing misinformation, which he described as a growing threat to public health. “Misinformation can be as dangerous as service interruption.
“We must defend scientific freedom, promote evidence-based policies, and continue to support community and civil society leadership.”
Youth networks, he said, played a critical role during recent crises by using WhatsApp and local radio to “share reliable information and encourage adherence to HIV treatment.”
Dr Janabi noted that new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in Africa have more than halved since 2010, and praised Botswana’s Gold Level status for eliminating mother-to-child transmission as proof of what can be achieved with sustained political commitment.
But he warned that the region cannot afford to become complacent. “We must act now to protect what has been achieved and accelerate what remains unfinished,” he urged.
She called for increased national funding, stronger health systems, human rights-based policies and targeted support for key populations, adolescent girls and young women.
Dr. Janabi reaffirmed WHO’s support for African countries and invoked an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
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