Dear friends, colleagues, and partners,

As we bring this year to a close, we find ourselves at a pivotal point in the global mission to end HIV, tuberculosis (TB), viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — longstanding health challenges that have taken a heavy toll on individuals and communities worldwide. In the midst of ongoing global challenges, your dedication, unity, and relentless effort have been a beacon of progress. Your collective actions have reinforced the idea that working together is the most effective way to protect lives and promote health equity for all. I sincerely thank each one of you for your steadfast partnership and shared goal of putting an end to these epidemics.

We pay heartfelt tribute to the health professionals on the front lines who courageously lead this fight every day, alongside the survivors, families, and communities they support. We also acknowledge the hard work and commitment of national health programs, civil society groups, donors, and other partners. Your strength and perseverance continue to inspire and generate real change in our global response efforts.

This past year, 2025, was met with significant challenges, particularly due to cuts and pauses in development aid for health. Despite these setbacks, countries and communities displayed resilience, adapting and pressing forward with remarkable resolve. These efforts highlight the importance of national leadership and the enduring value of global partnerships.

For the World Health Organization (WHO), 2025 marked a period of transformation and renewed strategic direction. With organizational restructuring and expanded responsibilities, we have reinforced our mission: to lead the effort to eliminate HIV, TB, hepatitis, and STIs, while ensuring everyone has fair access to high-quality, person-centered care built on scientific evidence—no matter their background or location.

Despite the complex global situation, WHO maintained consistent leadership and continued to assist Member States and partners by offering vital policy guidance, technical tools, and support tailored to country needs. Throughout the year, WHO led advocacy initiatives, updated global standards, monitored epidemic patterns, and provided technical assistance focused on the essential social and economic factors fueling these diseases — particularly those affecting vulnerable populations. With a strong global mandate and close partnerships with communities and sectors, we are pushing innovation, broadening access to essential services, strengthening health systems, promoting fairness, and, most importantly, saving lives.

Significant progress was seen in the HIV response with WHO’s approval of lenacapavir, a long-acting injection administered twice yearly, as a new method for HIV prevention. This groundbreaking addition offers an empowering alternative to daily oral medications, especially for individuals facing adherence challenges. WHO’s new guidance in July recommending lenacapavir as a prevention option marks a milestone in improving HIV prevention choices and accessibility.

In the fight against TB, WHO supported the introduction of faster diagnostic tools, shorter and more effective treatments, and comprehensive strategies addressing deeper issues like undernutrition and lack of social safety nets. The TB Vaccine Accelerator Council also released a significant report advocating for sustainable investment to ensure global access to new TB vaccines for both teens and adults, coinciding with discussions held during the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting.

WHO continued to actively lead the effort against viral hepatitis and emphasize strategies for its elimination. In the field of STIs, data from the Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP) underscored the increasing risks posed by drug-resistant gonorrhea. This calls for immediate improvements in disease monitoring, diagnostic systems, and equal access to effective treatments.

Under the triple elimination initiative, remarkable successes were achieved. The Maldives made history by becoming the first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Botswana received gold-tier recognition for its progress in preventing vertical HIV transmission, and Brazil was officially acknowledged for achieving elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission. These milestones are evidence of what is possible when robust political commitment, resilient healthcare systems, and community involvement unite for a common cause.

On behalf of the WHO Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and STIs, I extend our deepest appreciation to all our colleagues and partners whose contributions have been essential to our progress throughout the year. Special thanks go to our supporting donor nations and organizations, whose financial backing in 2025 greatly empowered WHO’s work and impact.

The year ahead will be crucial in transforming the current momentum into tangible progress and courageous, goal-oriented actions. Through continued cooperation, creativity, and persistence, we can defeat these diseases and strive toward a world that is healthier and more just for everyone.

As this year ends, I send my warm wishes to you, your families, and your teams. May you find peace and joy during the holiday season, and may 2026 bring good health, fulfillment, and new achievements.

Let us continue forward with stronger resolve and shared purpose.

Thank you.

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