As the world marks World AIDS Day 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for urgent action to protect decades of progress in the fight against HIV. This year’s theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” reflects growing concern over shrinking funding, disrupted services, and rising infections in several regions.
According to WHO, 40.8 million people are currently living with HIV worldwide. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, an estimated 610,000 people live with HIV, but fewer than four in ten know their status and less than a third are receiving treatment. New infections in the region have nearly doubled in less than a decade, rising from 37,000 in 2016 to 72,000 in 2024.
Funding Cuts Threaten Progress
WHO warns that declining global HIV funding is severely affecting prevention, testing, and treatment, especially in fragile and conflict-affected countries. Community-led services which are critical in reaching marginalized groups are being deprioritized, putting millions at further risk.
“HIV has become a treatable chronic infection if managed well, but without increased investment and stronger services, we will lose gains made over the past 40 years,” WHO said..
The agency is urging governments to integrate HIV care into wider health systems, scale up innovative models, expand prevention, and address stigma and punitive laws that keep people away from care.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, called for renewed commitment:
“Today, I call on all governments to raise public awareness, increase domestic funding, integrate HIV into broader health services, adopt innovative approaches and strengthen prevention through digital health and AI.”
Kenya: Mixed Progress as New Infections Rise in Key Counties
In Kenya, the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) reports that new HIV infections rose by 19% in the last year, from 16,752 to 19,991.
Ten counties; Nairobi, Migori, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, Siaya, Kakamega, Nakuru, Mombasa and Bungoma accounted for 60% of all new HIV infections in 2024. Nairobi led with 3,045 cases, followed by Migori (1,572) and Kisumu (1,341).
The NSDCC says the concentration of infections in these counties highlights deep regional disparities. It is now calling for targeted county-led interventions to ensure equitable epidemic control.
Youth Most Affected
People aged 15 to 34 remain the group with the highest number of new infections, continuing a trend seen over the past decade. Young women remain particularly vulnerable. National HIV prevalence in 2024 stood at 3.0%, but prevalence among females (4.0%) was double that of males (2.0%).
AIDS-Related Deaths Still High
HIV-related deaths also increased slightly. Kenya recorded 21,007 AIDS-related deaths in 2024, up from 18,473 in 2023.
Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga emphasized the need for stronger early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and long-term retention in care.
“AIDS-related deaths remind us of the need for renewed focus on early diagnosis, treatment adherence and retention,” he said.
Signs of Hope: Some Counties See Significant Progress
Despite rising national numbers, several counties recorded steep reductions in new infections. In Elgeyo-Marakwet, Wajir, Mandera, Kisii, Machakos, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Bomet, Baringo, Trans-Nzoia, and Laikipia, new infections dropped by 75%.
Nationally, Kenya also recorded a 52% decrease in new HIV infections in 2025, a sign that when prevention strategies are properly implemented, there can be a significant impact.
As of 2024, 1,326,336 Kenyans were living with HIV, including 62,798 children.
A Call for Renewed Commitment
The data tells a complex story: while some regions are making progress, others are facing rising cases, stigma, and shrinking support.
This World AIDS Day, WHO and national health agencies are urging governments, partners, and communities to:
- Increase domestic health funding
- Strengthen HIV testing and treatment services
- Support community-led and youth-led HIV programs
- Expand access to prevention tools, including PrEP
- Use digital health and AI to improve care
- Combat stigma and discriminatory laws
With only five years left to meet the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, experts warn that not taking action now will cost lives later.
World AIDS Day is a reminder that the fight is far from over but with commitment, innovation and community leadership, progress is still possible.
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