The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that 21.7 million people living with HIV in Africa are now receiving lifesaving treatment, but warned that this progress remains fragile amid shrinking global funding and the rise of misinformation.
In his World AIDS Day 2025 message, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, urged the continent to “renew our shared commitment to ending HIV in Africa,” stressing that despite the gains, “progress remains fragile.”
He explained that this year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruption: Transforming the AIDS Response”, reflects the urgency of redefining strategies as financial support for HIV programmes tightens.
“This theme challenges us to redefine our response to an unprecedented HIV funding landscape that is threatening decades of progress.”
“These pullbacks make it more urgent than ever to safeguard the gains, and protect lives,” he said.
Dr. Janabi noted that the growing number of Africans on antiretroviral therapy reflects years of sustained efforts to expand access, but maintaining these gains will require stronger, self-reliant systems.
“Across Africa, countries are working to embed HIV services within primary health care systems, ensuring inclusive, people-centred care,” he said, adding that protecting testing, treatment, and prevention infrastructure must remain a priority.
He highlighted new tools that could accelerate progress, pointing to Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection administered twice a year.
“WHO commends South Africa for being the first African country to licence Lenacapavir for use to prevent HIV, and we hope more African countries will follow their lead,” he said.
Dr. Janabi also cautioned against rising misinformation, which he described as a growing threat to public health.
“Misinformation can be as dangerous as service disruption. We must defend scientific freedom, promote evidence-based policies, and continue to support community and civil society leadership.”
He praised youth networks for their critical role in recent crises, noting how they used WhatsApp and local radio to “share reliable information and encourage HIV treatment adherence.”
The WHO official added that new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in Africa have each fallen by more than half since 2010, citing Botswana’s Gold Tier status for eliminating mother-to-child transmission as proof of the impact of sustained political commitment.
“But the region cannot afford complacency,” Dr. Janabi warned. “We must act now to protect what has been achieved, and accelerate what remains unfinished.”
He called for increased domestic funding, stronger health systems, human-rights–based policies, and targeted support for key populations, adolescent girls, and young women.
He concluded by reaffirming WHO’s support for African countries and quoting an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
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