HIV has claimed 44 Million lives globally – WHO warns virus remains major health threat

A new global update has revealed that HIV has claimed 44 million lives worldwide, with the World Health Organization (WHO) cautioning that the virus remains one of the world’s most significant public health challenges.

Current data shows that about 40.8 million people are living with HIV, and although there is still no cure, experts stress that the disease is both preventable and treatable when individuals have access to timely care.

Marking World AIDS Day, health authorities are calling for intensified public awareness, increased regular testing, safer sexual practices, and wider access to antiretroviral treatment and preventive services.

They warn that closing the gaps in testing, treatment, and stigma reduction remains critical to ending AIDS as a public health threat.