WHO releases updated guideline on HIV service delivery

10 September 2025 | Geneva — WHO is releasing updated guidelines to support integrated HIV service delivery, promote long-term adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and improve the overall health and wellbeing of people living with HIV. In line with WHO’s commitment to person-centred care, these recommendations reflect updated evidence and the broader needs of individuals affected by HIV.

The guidelines focus on three main updates:

• The guidelines strongly recommend the integration of diabetes and hypertension care with HIV services. Recent estimates suggest that up to 5% of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa have diabetes, and up to 25% have hypertension; similar to the estimates in other regions of the world.
• The guidelines strongly recommend integrating mental health care for depression, anxiety and alcohol use disorders with HIV services. A high prevalence of mental health conditions has been reported among people living with HIV, with up to a third of people reporting symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Alcohol use disorder is common among people with HIV, affecting at least 20% of individuals; it is associated with suboptimal medication adherence, unsafe sexual behavior and poor mental health status.
• The guidelines also reinforce the importance of adherence support interventions for ART, including through counselling, reminders, tailored support from peers, lay supporters and health workers, and education. These evidence-based interventions help sustain viral suppression and improve clients’ well-being by providing tailored responses to client’s needs.

“By integrating hypertension, diabetes and mental health care into HIV services, and ensuring timely, tailored support for adherence, we can help people stay on treatment and improve wellbeing,” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections. “The updated guidelines reaffirm WHO’s commitment to delivering holistic, person-centred care that addresses the diverse health needs of people living with HIV and supports them to lead healthier, longer lives.”