Global HIV Statistics 2024 and Latest HIV Vaccine Research Updates

In its 2025 Global AIDS Update, UNAIDS stated that by the end of 2024, annual new HIV infections had declined by 40% and AIDS-related deaths by 56% compared with 2010 levels. However, the organization noted that prevention gaps remain significant, with approximately 1.3 million new HIV infections still reported in 2024. The report further highlighted advances in long-acting HIV prevention medicines while emphasizing the importance of affordable access and stronger domestic healthcare investment in affected countries. Global HIV Statistics and Progress in 2024 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update: Latest Global HIV Statistics, 2024 HIV continues to affect millions of people worldwide, with new infections still occurring despite major advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART). While existing treatments can effectively control the virus, they do not eliminate it, require lifelong adherence, and may remain inaccessible or costly in some regions. An effective HIV vaccine could significantly reduce transmission rates, lower long-term healthcare burdens, and support global public health goals aimed at ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. HIV vaccine studies have advanced broader scientific understanding of immunology, antibody engineering, and mRNA-based vaccine technologies, contributing to innovations that may benefit other infectious disease research. Recent HIV Vaccines and Immune-based Candidates Showing Promising Early Results Vaccine/Therapy Organization/Developers Technology/Approach Recent Progress Current Status IAVI G004 mRNA HIV Vaccine IAVI, Scripps Research, Moderna A germline-targeting sequential mRNA vaccine designed to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) Phase 1 trial initiated in South Africa in 2025 evaluating sequential immunogens and booster optimization Phase 1 HIV clinical trial WIN332 Single-Shot HIV Vaccine The Wistar Institute Engineered HIV envelope protein vaccine candidate Generated detectable HIV-neutralizing antibodies after a single immunization in nonhuman primates Preclinical research VRC07-523LS bnAb Therapy National Institutes of Health and collaborators Broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody (bnAb) therapy Entered prevention-focused Phase 2 studies evaluating long-acting HIV protection Phase 2 clinical trial PGT121.414.LS bnAb Therapy International HIV antibody research collaborations Long-acting broadly neutralizing antibody therapy Being tested in combination antibody prevention strategies Phase 2 clinical trial PGDM1400LS bnAb Therapy Global HIV immunotherapy research groups Broadly neutralizing antibody targeting diverse HIV strains Included in ongoing combination antibody prevention studies Phase 2 clinical trial bnAb + Cabotegravir Combination Strategy Multiple international HIV clinical research networks Combination of bnAbs with long-acting antiretroviral therapy Studies reported extended viral suppression in some participants for over a year Advanced clinical evaluation RIO Viral Remission Trial International HIV cure research teams bnAb-supported post-treatment viral control strategy Some participants maintained viral remission for extended periods after stopping standard ART Experimental HIV remission research Moreover, HIV still affects millions of people, showing that prevention and healthcare access remain important challenges. New research on HIV vaccines and antibody-based therapies is giving hope for better prevention and long-term control of the virus in the future. Although these treatments are still being tested, they could help reduce the spread of HIV and improve global public health. Continued investment, affordable healthcare, and international cooperation will be necessary to move closer to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic worldwide.