WHO Unveils New Global Framework to Combat Drug Resistance in HIV, Hepatitis B/C, and STIs
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Integrated drug resistance action framework for HIV, hepatitis B and C and sexually transmitted infections, 2026–2030, a landmark roadmap to address the growing threat of drug resistance and safeguard progress toward ending AIDS and the epidemics of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as public health concerns.
Drug resistance is a major challenge to prevention and treatment efforts. Without urgent, coordinated action, it could lead to increased new infections and treatment failures and higher preventable morbidity and mortality, and undermine global elimination goals. The new framework proposes a unified approach to prevent the emergence and spread of resistance and reduce its impact through integrated, people-centred strategies.
The Framework outlines 5 strategic areas of work: prevention and response; monitoring and surveillance; research and innovation; laboratory capacity; and governance and enabling mechanisms. It emphasizes antimicrobial stewardship, stronger surveillance systems, and equitable access to high-quality prevention, diagnosis and treatment services for HIV, hepatitis B and C and STIs.
“Drug resistance threatens decades of progress in HIV, hepatitis and STI control. This framework is a call to action for countries, communities and partners to unite around a shared agenda,” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections. “Together, we can preserve the effectiveness of life-saving antimicrobial drugs and accelerate progress toward ending these epidemics.”
The Framework builds on WHO’s Global health sector strategies and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. It responds to renewed political commitment following the 2024 UN High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and provides a multisectoral roadmap for implementation.
