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As the world marks World AIDS Day 2025, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, has called for urgent collective action to safeguard decades of progress against HIV as funding disruptions threaten to reverse major achievements across the continent.

In a message themed “Overcoming Disruption: Transforming the AIDS Response,” Dr. Janabi warned that Africa stands at a critical crossroads, where declining global funding is colliding with rising health demands.

“We renew our shared commitment to ending HIV in Africa a challenge that persists, but one we have the power to overcome,” he said.

The WHO chief cautioned that the continent’s HIV gains including major declines in infections and deaths could be weakened if African countries do not intensify domestic investment.

“An unprecedented HIV funding landscape is threatening decades of progress. These pullbacks make it more urgent than ever to safeguard the gains and protect lives.”

Despite the setbacks, he said the disruption also presents an opportunity to build stronger, self-reliant and integrated HIV responses, especially through primary health care.

Dr. Janabi celebrated emerging innovations such as long-acting HIV prevention medicines, particularly Lenacapavir, which requires only two injections per year.

“WHO commends South Africa for being the first African country to license Lenacapavir. We hope more countries will follow their lead.”

The WHO Regional Director stressed that protecting trust in science is as critical as maintaining services.

“Misinformation can be as dangerous as service disruption. We must defend scientific freedom and promote evidence-based policies.”

He highlighted how youth organizations across Africa used WhatsApp and local radio during recent crises to fight misinformation and support treatment adherence.

Over the last decade, Africa has seen transformational results: New HIV infections down by more than half since 2010; AIDS-related deaths also reduced by more than 50%; and 21.7 million people now on antiretroviral therapy

He praised Botswana for achieving Gold Tier status in eliminating mother-to-child transmission, calling it a model for sustainable commitment.

Dr. Janabi urged Member States and partners to take decisive action:

Transform HIV response through sustainable, locally-led systems and innovative financing.

Rebuild momentum by strengthening health systems for reliable, equitable care.

Restore trust by tackling stigma, misinformation and discrimination.

Confront inequality by prioritizing key populations, adolescents and young women.

Dr. Janabi ended with a call for unity, invoking an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting African countries:

“Together, we carry the hope, the strength and the resolve to go the distance and end AIDS in Africa.”