The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2024, bringing the global total to 40.8 million living with the virus. Around 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes during the same period. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that global HIV prevention efforts are facing a critical moment due to declining international funding and stagnating prevention programs. The organization noted that stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers continue to prevent vulnerable groups from accessing essential services. WHO also highlighted the approval of lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, as a major breakthrough for those unable to take daily medication. However, the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition warned that funding cuts could deprive 2.5 million people of PrEP access in 2024. WHO urged governments to integrate HIV services into primary healthcare, increase local investment, and protect the rights of at-risk populations to sustain progress toward ending AIDS.