WHO urges immediate introduction of new HIV vaccine as infection rates rise by 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO), has recommended the global implementation of injectable lenacapavir (LEN), is a long-acting HIV preventive jab which only requires to be administered twice a year.

The announcement took place on Monday, 14 July 2025 at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference, held in Kigali.

Lenacapavir has shown in clinical trials to be a powerful antiretroviral drug that can prevent nearly all HIV infections for those at high risk. This is what the WHO Director General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said.UN News).

LEN is the only injectable PrEP drug (pre-exposure prevention) that requires just two injections a year. It is being hailed by many as a life-changing drug for people who are struggling to take daily pills. This is especially true in communities with stigma or poor access.

The US Health Authorities have already approved the jab as of June 2025, and it now joins WHO’s list of recommended HIV Prevention Tools.

• Daily oral PrEP
• Injectable cabotegravir every two months
• Dapivirine vaginal rings

WHO states that the new tool will “reshape HIV responses globally” and help to curb infections in key populations such as:

• Sex workers
• Male gay sex
• Transgender people
• People who use drugs
• Prisoners
• Children and adolescents

In 2024, 1.3 million new HIV cases are expected.

WHO estimates show that despite efforts to prevent HIV, 120,000 children were infected with HIV last year. By 2024, the number of people living with the HIV virus will reach 40.8 millions. Of these, 65 per cent are based in Africa. In the same year, there were 630,000 deaths worldwide due to HIV.WHO).

Although access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is expanding – 31.6 million people were on treatment in 2024 (up from 30.3 million in 2023) – WHO says more must be done, especially as global health funding declines.

WHO supports rapid HIV tests kits, along with LEN, to increase accessibility. They replace the expensive and complicated lab-based testing. The jab can now be administered in pharmacies and clinics as well as via telehealth.

“We have the tools and the knowledge to end AIDS… what we need now is bold implementation of these recommendations, grounded in equity and powered by communities,” said Dr Meg Doherty, WHO Director of Global HIV Programmes (UN News).

The WHO’s appeal comes as global HIV funding has been cut, including PEPFAR, which is the United States’ flagship anti HIV programme in Africa. WHO has responded with new operational guidance that urges countries to prioritize essential HIV care despite financial pressure.

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