- Africa Holds 65% of World’s HIV Cases — WHO
- Over 1.3 million new HIV infections recorded globally in 2024
- New HIV prevention drug, LEN, recommended for twice-yearly use
By Grateful Ogunjebe
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that Africa bears the heaviest burden of the global HIV epidemic, with 65% of the 40.8 million HIV cases reported by end of 2024 found on the continent.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that this alarming figure was shared during the 13th International AIDS Society Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, where WHO launched new global guidelines for HIV prevention.
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The agency introduced lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable drug that requires only two doses per year, as a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tool to curb infections.
“While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing,” said WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus. “It has shown strong results in preventing new HIV infections.”
LEN offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP pills, which many people in sub-Saharan Africa struggle to access due to cost, stigma, and poor health infrastructure.
In 2024 alone, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections worldwide, with the highest rates among s3x workers, men who have s3x with men, transgender people, young people, and drug users.
Though antiretroviral therapy now reaches 31.6 million globally, 630,000 people still died from HIV-related illnesses in 2024, underlining the need for stronger prevention strategies.
WHO also recommended expanding access to rapid HIV tests to remove barriers caused by complex laboratory procedures in under-resourced areas.
Dr. Meg Doherty, WHO’s Director of Global HIV Programmes, said: “We have the tools to end AIDS. What we need now is bold, equitable implementation.”
The organisation is urging countries to adopt flexible systems that keep HIV care stable amid changing donor support, using community-led efforts and simplified service models.
As Africa bears the largest HIV load, WHO hopes these new tools will give countries more control in preventing infections and protecting those most at risk.
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