End-of-year message from the Director of the WHO’s department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis & STIs

Dear friends, colleagues and partners,

As this year comes to a close, we stand at a defining crossroads in the global effort to end HIV, tuberculosis (TB), viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - epidemics that have claimed millions of lives and entrenched inequities. In a world marked by uncertainty, your leadership, solidarity, and unwavering commitment have been a powerful force for progress. You have demonstrated that collective action remains our most powerful tool to protect lives and advance health for all. I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your invaluable collaboration and shared determination to end these epidemics.

We pay special tribute to the frontline health workers who lead this fight every day, alongside survivors, communities, and families. We also recognize the dedication of national programmes, civil society organizations, partners, and donors. Your resilience, courage, and perseverance continue to inspire hope and drive impact in this critical global response.

2025 was a challenging year, marked by unprecedented disruption following suspensions and reductions in official development assistance for health. Yet even in this constrained environment, countries and communities have continued to rebuild, adapt, and move forward with determination, demonstrating the strength of national leadership and the enduring power of partnership.

For WHO, 2025 has also been a year of transformation and renewed focus. Through our organizational transformation and the merging of roles, our mandate has been strengthened: to lead the global effort to end HIV, TB, hepatitis and STIs, ensuring equitable access to the highest-quality, people-centred scientific evidence and services - regardless of who people are or where they live.

Despite the challenging global landscape, WHO has demonstrated resolute leadership and remained unwavering in its commitment to support Member States and partners through the delivery of cutting-edge policies, comprehensive guidelines, and critical tools that drive impact at country level. Throughout 2025, WHO provided strategic leadership and advocacy; developed core global guidance and standards for HIV, TB, hepatitis and STIs; monitored and reported on epidemic trends; and delivered targeted technical support to strengthen national responses and address the underlying determinants of these epidemics - particularly for key and vulnerable populations. Guided by our unique mandate and working in close partnership with communities and multisectoral stakeholders, we are accelerating innovation, expanding equitable access to life-saving prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, strengthening health systems, advancing equity, and saving lives - especially for those most at risk.

On the global HIV response, critical momentum was regained in 2025 with WHO's approval of twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention - a transformative, long-acting alternative to daily oral PrEP, particularly for people facing barriers related to adherence, stigma, and access to care. WHO's July guidelines recommending lenacapavir as an additional PrEP option marked a major step forward in expanding choice and equity in HIV prevention.

On TB, WHO accelerated progress by supporting the rollout of rapid diagnostics, shorter and more effective treatment regimens, and integrated approaches that address the root drivers of the epidemic, including undernutrition and inadequate social protection. The TB Vaccine Accelerator Council released a landmark report alongside the G20 Health Ministers' Meeting, calling for innovative and sustainable financing to ensure equitable global access to novel TB vaccines for adolescents and adults.

WHO has also remained steadfast in driving the global response to viral hepatitis, amplifying momentum toward elimination. In the area of STIs, new data from the Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP) highlighted the growing threat of drug-resistant gonorrhoea and the urgent need to strengthen surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and equitable access to effective treatments.

Under the triple elimination agenda, major milestones were achieved: the Maldives became the first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B; Botswana advanced to gold-tier status on the path to eliminating vertical HIV transmission; and Brazil was validated for elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. These achievements demonstrate what is possible when political will, strong health systems, and community engagement converge.

We, at WHO's Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs, extend our profound appreciation to all our partners and collaborators whose support has been instrumental to our achievements this year. We especially recognize and thank our Member State and non-state donors for their generous financial contributions in 2025, which have been pivotal in advancing WHO's impact.

The coming year will be critical to translating political momentum into bold, decisive action to accelerate progress toward global targets. Together - through collaboration, innovation, and determination, we can overcome these epidemics and build a healthier, fairer world.

As the year draws to a close, I extend my warmest wishes to you, your colleagues, and your loved ones. May your holidays be filled with peace and reflection, and may 2026 bring health, happiness, and success.

Together, let us move forward with renewed purpose and determination.

Thank you.

Dr Tereza Kasaeva
Director
Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis & STIs
World Health Organization