World AIDS Day 2025: Closing Gaps with AI
On December 1st—World AIDS Day—we recognize the strength of communities, health workers, and young people who continue to drive the HIV response. But the latest numbers remind us why the work must continue: globally, about 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2024, and roughly half of those new infections occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa,, and over 9 million people living with HIV are still not receiving treatment. These are gaps we can close.
Audere works with partners to make access to support easier and more welcoming. In South Africa, Aimee helped thousands of young people talk about stress, relationships, sexual health, and safety in a private, judgment-free way—and it linked them to trained nurses when needed. That effort is now growing into a self-care movement with the AI companion Self-Cav available on WhatsApp, in partnership with Shout-It-Now and the National Department of Health as part of the bWise platform.
Digital tools are not a replacement for nurses, counselors, or peer supporters. They are a bridge. They help people get connected sooner, stay connected longer, and feel understood along the way. When designed with communities, these approaches can lighten the load on health systems and make care more responsive to real life.
“Closing the HIV gap requires global partnership, local insight, and shared accountability. We commit to working side-by-side with ministries of health, civil society organizations, community peer-networks, funders, and implementers across continents. ” — Dr. Dino Rech, CEO, Audere Africa
Looking ahead, we see practical, collaborative ways for easy to use digital tools to close persistent gaps in HIV prevention and treatment—and to ensure support reaches people when and where they need it.
Resources:
Read & Download: AI & HIV Programs: A Guide for Advocates, in partnership with AVAC
Read & Download: Artificial Intelligence to enhance HIV prevention in age of disruptions Report, in partnership with Desmond Tutu Health Foundation
