Over 4,000 participants from 130 countries, 1,400 scientific posters, 142 oral presentations, and five days of dialogue, discovery, and solidarity — that was IAS 2025.
The 13th International IAS Conference on HIV science concluded not merely with a series of scientific breakthroughs, but with a powerful political and humanitarian message: the future of the HIV response depends on equity, sustainable financing, and global solidarity.
Researchers, activists, government officials, and community representatives gathered in Rwanda’s capital from July 13–17 to rethink and relaunch the global HIV response in the context of growing global crises. The conference addressed everything from new injectable treatments and prevention methods to civil society–driven efforts to secure new sources of funding.
It was here that the World Health Organization unveiled what is already being called “the breakthrough of the year”: for the first time, WHO officially recommended the long-acting injectable lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). One injection — six months of protection. At a time when an HIV vaccine remains an elusive dream, this marks a radical step forward. “Lenacapavir is the best tool we have today,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Now we must ensure that everyone who needs this tool can access it.” WHO also updated its guidelines for HIV treatment, care, and prevention for infants, children, adolescents, and adults — including new injectable regimens with cabotegravir and rilpivirine, and revised pediatric dosing for dolutegravir. These efforts aim to make treatment more convenient, adherence more consistent, and the future less dependent on daily pills.
While lenacapavir has already been approved by the FDA and will be distributed in 2 million no-profit doses, Merck presented Phase III trial results for its new monthly oral PrEP candidate, MK-8527. Meanwhile, the Medicines Patent Pool and ViiV Healthcare expanded licensing for injectable cabotegravir, which can now be produced for 133 countries. In short, the era of long-acting HIV medications is becoming reality. For many, this means less stigma, fewer clinic visits, and more control over one’s life.
Still, amid scientific optimism, alarming signals were also heard. One of the most pressing concerns was the threat of a financial crisis in the global HIV response. While the U.S. Senate has temporarily saved PEPFAR — the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief — its long-term future remains uncertain. “PEPFAR is a lifeline for communities across Africa,” said incoming IAS President Kenneth Ngure. “But we cannot rely on external aid forever. It’s time to build sustainable, domestic financing mechanisms.”
IAS 2025 not only showcased the strength of scientific innovation but also emphasized how inseparable science and technology are from communities. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), CAR-T cell therapy, artificial intelligence, blockchain, mobile X-ray vans — these are no longer concepts of the future; they are being implemented in real-world settings. However, despite progress in expanding access to cutting-edge treatment and prevention, adolescents remain one of the most vulnerable populations — underscoring the fact that treatment adherence cannot be sustained without mental health care, and that true resilience requires inclusive, psychosocially aware support systems.
The conference concluded with a powerful call: “We must act, and we must act justly.” Closing remarks reinforced the idea that the fight against HIV is not just about medicines — it’s about leadership, community engagement, and refusing to stay silent in the face of funding cuts and discrimination.
The next IAS-led event — the 2026 International AIDS Conference — will take place in Rio de Janeiro. But VirusOFF reminds: decisions must be made now — in ministries, research labs, and clinic waiting rooms — because the future of the HIV response begins today.