1.3 Million New HIV Infections in 2024 – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that 1.3 million people worldwide acquired HIV in 2024, marking a concerning plateau in the fight against the epidemic. 

Despite decades of progress, this figure, unchanged from the previous year, shows gaps in prevention, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, who accounted for 120,000 of the new cases.

A Stall in Prevention Efforts

After years of steady decline, new HIV infections have levelled off. WHO reports that nearly two in three people living with HIV are in the African Region, where social and economic barriers continue to hamper access to testing, prevention and treatment services. 

Experts warn that without fresh strategies, the world risks missing the target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Growing Treatment Coverage and Persistent Challenges

By the end of 2024, 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally, and 31.6 million were on antiretroviral therapy, an increase from 30.3 million in 2023. Yet 630,000 lives were lost to HIV‑related illnesses, highlighting the urgent need for improved treatment adherence and wider service delivery to reduce mortality and new transmissions.

Introducing Injectable Lenacapavir for PrEP

In its latest guidelines, the WHO has added twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir (LEN) to the menu of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options. This long‑acting injection offers protection for six months and represents a “transformative” tool for people who struggle with daily pills or face stigma around clinic visits. Pilot programs are already underway in several countries to assess real‑world uptake and adherence.

Simplifying Testing and Service Integration

To broaden its reach, the WHO now endorses rapid, point-of-care HIV tests that require no laboratory equipment. It also calls for integrating HIV screening and treatment with services for noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, and mental health support. This one-stop-shop model aims to reduce patient visits and lower the barriers that often prevent people from seeking care.

A Global Call to Action

WHO Director‑General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged governments, funders and partners to scale up access to LEN and gather robust data on its effectiveness. “We have the tools to turn the tide,” he said, emphasising that bold implementation of these guidelines is essential if the global community is to reclaim momentum against HIV.