In response to unprecedented suspensions and reductions in official development assistance (ODA) for health and HIV programmes, WHO’s Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes (HHS) has stepped up with a strategic response plan to protect essential health services for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This critical initiative aims to ensure that vital services continue uninterrupted despite the growing challenges.
Recognizing the urgency, HHS swiftly mobilized a dedicated operational team to provide immediate technical support and coordinate efforts across 5 key pillars: strategic information and analytics; service delivery; country support; community engagement; and communication. This structured response enables WHO, in coordination with its country offices and ministries of health, not only to tackle immediate disruptions but also to streamline long-term solutions, enhance data-driven decision-making and ensure integrated, community-supported service continuity.
“Now more than ever, we have an opportunity to support ministries of health by offering timely guidance, tools and global collaboration tailored to country needs,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of HHS. “Our focus remains clear: ensuring essential services reach those most in need, even in times of financial uncertainty.”
Strategic information and analytics
A rapid survey conducted by HHS in February 2025 assessed the continuity of essential HIV, hepatitis and STIs services across 55 countries that rely heavily on funding from the Government of the United States of America. Preliminary results from 36 countries, revealed evidence of service disruptions in key populations, pre-exposure and post-exposure services, testing and treatment services, and health information systems. These findings are used to estimate the impact on HIV-related mortality and new infections in both short and long term.
Additionally, a rapid WHO country office stock take on impact of suspensions, conducted with 108 of its country and field offices between March and April 2025 shows that 71% of countries experienced interruptions in at least one health service area. Moderate to severe levels of disruptions are being reported in HIV services in 48 % (43 of 90) countries, STIs services in 43% (37 of 86) countries, and viral hepatitis services in 38% (33 of 87) countries.
Moderate to severe disruptions have also been reported on the availability of medicines and health products, impacting HIV in 36% (32 of 88 countries, STIs in 34% (30 of 87), and viral hepatitis in 29% (25 of 86).
Furthermore, job losses among health-care workers and increased out-of-pocket costs for patients were among the key consequences observed.
Read more about the stock take outcomes here.
Tailored support on sustaining service delivery
To mitigate disruptions and adapt essential services package, WHO has issued multilingual internal guidance to support WHO country offices, ministries of health and civil society partners, aiming to reduce disruptions and sustain essential HIV, hepatitis and STIs treatment and care services for people at major risk. WHO country staff shared how the guidance helped them for developing mitigation plans to sustain provision of life-saving treatment and care interventions for people in need. A technical extended version of this guidance will be released soon.
Community-led response and engagement
An informal community reference group has been established to ensure the voices of affected populations guide WHO’s response. Key support priorities from these communities have been identified and integrated into WHO’s approach, fostering a more inclusive and effective response. The priorities include enhancing communication; supporting innovative approaches to secure new access points for HIV services; developing strategies for affordability; leveraging innovations like long-acting PrEP; and ensuring stronger global coordination.
Communities of people living with HIV have been instrumental in monitoring the extent of service disruptions and continue to provide guidance and peer support to those affected. In response to their feedback and lived experiences, WHO developed and published a Questions and Answers on managing interruptions in antiretroviral treatment due to service disruptions, drug shortages, or stockouts.
Country support
A real-time coordination hub, powered by the HIV Country Intelligence dashboard, tracks evolving needs and facilitates rapid response across WHO’s global structure. Regular capacity-building webinars are conducted to equip WHO country staff with the necessary skills to address ongoing and emerging challenges.
Communication and partnership
WHO is actively engaging countries and communities to develop mitigation plans, mobilize resources and strengthen service delivery. Internal coordination across WHO programmes and regular meetings organized with partners ensure a unified approach to both short-term resilience and long-term sustainability. WHO staff focal points in-country maintain ongoing communication with ministries of health and local stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaborative action.
As the situation evolves rapidly, WHO remains steadfast in its commitment to working with countries, communities and partners to achieve global health equity, ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial constraints. Amid funding uncertainties, WHO stands as a reliable partner, safeguarding the rights and well-being of those most affected by HIV, hepatitis and STIs.