WHO Urges Action on HIV Prevention Despite Funding Setbacks

On world AIDS Day, the World Health Institution (WHO) is calling on governments and partners to rapidly expand access to new, WHO-approved tools – including lenacapavir (LEN) – to drive down HIV infections and counter disruptions to essential health services caused by cuts to foreign aid.

A Breakthrough in HIV Prevention: lenacapavir

Despite dramatic funding setbacks, the global HIV response has gained remarkable momentum in 2025 with the WHO approval of twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention. LEN is a highly effective, long-acting choice to daily oral pills and other options. This is a transformative intervention for individuals who face challenges with regular adherence to medication or experience stigma when accessing healthcare.

In July of this year, WHO released new guidelines recommending the use of lenacapavir as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for HIV prevention.

The Impact of Funding Cuts

Sharp and sudden reductions in international funding this year have lead to disruptions in critical HIV prevention, treatment, and testing services. Essential community-led programs, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and harm reduction initiatives for people who inject drugs, have been scaled back or shut down entirely in some countries.

“We face significant challenges, with cuts to international funding, and prevention stalling,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “At the same time, we have significant opportunities, with exciting new tools.”

Key Takeaways

• Lenacapavir (LEN): A new, twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention option approved by the WHO.
• Funding Crisis: Significant cuts to international funding are disrupting HIV services globally.
• Urgent Action Needed: The WHO is urging governments and partners to expand access to new tools and restore funding.
• Community Programs at Risk: Essential community-led programs,like PrEP and harm reduction,are being impacted by funding cuts.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of lenacapavir represents a significant step forward in HIV prevention. However, its full potential can only be realized with sustained funding and a commitment to equitable access. Addressing the current funding crisis is crucial to maintaining the momentum gained in the global HIV response and ensuring that these life-saving tools reach those who need them most. Continued investment and collaboration are essential to ending the HIV epidemic.