WHO Raises Alarm as 1.3 Million New HIV Infections Reported in 2024, Recommends Injectable Prevention
In a sobering revelation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that 1.3 million people contracted HIV in 2024 alone, with thousands of new infections among adolescent girls and young women. This surge highlights the persistent global challenge of curbing HIV transmission and ensuring access to effective prevention strategies for those most vulnerable.
Responding to this public health emergency, the WHO has taken a historic step by recommending the use of twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option. This long-acting medication marks a significant breakthrough in HIV prevention, especially for individuals at higher risk who may struggle with the adherence required for daily oral PrEP.
Lenacapavir, a promising new antiretroviral, offers protection through just two injections per year, making it a more convenient and discreet alternative for those who face stigma, lack of access to daily pills, or lifestyle challenges that hinder consistent medication use. Its introduction could be transformative, particularly in low-resource settings where HIV incidence remains high and healthcare access is limited.
The WHO emphasized that every new HIV infection means another person requiring lifelong treatment, which poses not only a public health burden but also an economic strain on healthcare systems. The global health body urged countries to prioritize equitable access to emerging HIV prevention tools, including lenacapavir, and to strengthen education, testing, and counseling programs.
With more than a million lives impacted in just one year, the urgency for innovative solutions has never been greater. The WHO’s latest recommendation is a beacon of hope, signaling a bold new direction in the global fight against HIV. However, its success will depend on global collaboration, funding, and political will to ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward an HIV-free future.
