In a pivotal message coinciding with World AIDS Day 2025, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, has urged for immediate and collective efforts to safeguard the significant strides made in the fight against HIV. His call comes in light of concerning funding disruptions that threaten to undo years of progress across the continent.
Under the theme “Overcoming Disruption: Transforming the AIDS Response,” Dr. Janabi highlighted that Africa stands at a crucial juncture, facing a decline in global funding while health demands continue to surge. “We renew our shared commitment to ending HIV in Africa—a challenge that persists, yet one we can overcome together,” he stated.
Dr. Janabi emphasized the need for intensified domestic investment, warning that the continent’s remarkable advances, including reductions in HIV infections and mortality rates, could be compromised if African nations do not step up their financial contributions to the cause. “An unprecedented HIV funding landscape threatens decades of progress. These funding pullbacks highlight the urgency to protect both lives and our hard-won gains,” he remarked.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Janabi noted that the current disruption also presents an opportunity to enhance the resilience and integration of HIV responses, particularly through primary health care systems. He celebrated innovations in HIV prevention, such as long-acting medications like Lenacapavir, which only require two injections a year. “WHO commends South Africa for being the first African nation to license Lenacapavir, and we encourage other countries to follow suit,” he added.
“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.”
In conclusion, the WHO Regional Director underscored the importance of maintaining public trust in scientific advancements alongside the continuation of essential health services, signaling a united front in the pursuit of ending the HIV epidemic in Africa.
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