The 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025) opened on Monday with an urgent call to accelerate access to long-acting HIV prevention and treatment tools, as global leaders warned that funding shortages are threatening decades of hard-won progress in the fight against AIDS.
More than 4,000 researchers, policymakers, activists, and health professionals from around the world gathered in-person and virtually for the conference, widely recognised as the most influential meeting on HIV research and its application, reports Daily Independent.
The event opened with a press briefing themed “Breakthroughs amid crisis: The future of HIV innovation.”
Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, set the tone by highlighting the country’s historic success in meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets ahead of schedule. “Rwanda’s achievements show what’s possible when science is backed by strong partnerships and people-centred policies,” he said, underscoring the promise of long-acting solutions for future progress.
“Our shared responsibility now is to ensure these innovations reach all who need them.”
In her opening address, Dr Beatriz Grinsztejn, IAS President collaborated, saying, “New WHO guidelines, cutting-edge licensing deals, and promising research signal major strides toward integrating long-acting prevention and treatment into everyday care,” she said.
“But without sustained funding, these scientific breakthroughs risk stalling before they reach the people they’re meant to serve.”
Key announcements included the release of new WHO guidelines recommending injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention, an endorsement aimed at bolstering equity and access.
“We know what works. Now we need bold, community-led implementation,” said Dr Meg Doherty of WHO’s Global HIV Programmes.
Also speaking, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, issued a statement praising lenacapavir as the best available alternative to a vaccine, which remains elusive more than four decades after HIV first emerged.
“The launch of WHO’s new guidelines, alongside the FDA’s recent approval, marks a pivotal moment,” he said.
“WHO stands ready to partner with countries to ensure rapid, equitable access.”
In addition, the conference announced an expanded licensing agreement between the Medicines Patent Pool and ViiV Healthcare, paving the way for affordable, long-acting cabotegravir for HIV treatment.
“Communities have long asked for an option that eliminates daily pills while preserving viral suppression,” said Esteban Burrone of the Medicines Patent Pool.
“This deal shows access and innovation can go hand in hand.”
Fresh data from MSD on its monthly oral prevention pill MK-8527 was also spotlighted. The drug, which is progressing to Phase 3 trials in Africa, could further widen choices for people seeking discreet and reliable protection.
“Our research points to a promising once-a-month PrEP alternative,” said study co-author Dr Rebeca Plank. “We’re proud to collaborate with the Gates Foundation to accelerate its development.”
But amid scientific optimism, advocates like Yvette Raphael sounded alarms about systemic barriers.
“These medications will only change lives if people can actually get them,” said Raphael, Executive Director of Advocates for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS. “We have seen innovation sidelined by inequality before. We can’t let it happen again. What we need now is funding that matches the urgency of the science.”
UNAIDS data presented by Mary Mahy showed 73% of people with HIV have achieved viral suppression—but that momentum may falter.
“The current funding crisis threatens the fragile gains we’ve made,” Mahy warned.
Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, described the global HIV response as being “in shock” due to financing disruptions.
“Our AIDS response was born in crisis,” she said. “Now, more than ever, we must hold firm. Countries are resilient, and communities are committed. Together, we will finish the fight.”
IAS 2025 runs through 17 July, featuring hundreds of sessions focused on translating science into impact, especially in regions hardest hit by HIV.
Several thematic supplements from the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS) have been released to accompany the conference, covering differentiated service delivery, the future of PrEP in Africa, and expanding access to choice-based HIV prevention markets.
