HIV Response in 2025
HIV prevalence in South Sudan is modelled, as there are no recent population-level data. The epidemic is continuing to improve, with estimated new infections declining from 17,000 in 2021 to 7,500 in 2024. While progress has been made toward the 95-95-95 commitments, the country remains some distance from achieving these goals by 2030.
By December 2024, 55% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) knew their HIV status, and 50% of all PLHIV were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), equivalent to 90% of those who knew their status. Coverage of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and paediatric HIV interventions, including early infant diagnosis (EID), has improved but remains well below what is minimally required to achieve durable public health benefits and prevent vertical transmission. Rapid dual HIV and syphilis testing has been introduced to strengthen early diagnosis.
Although the number of PLHIV who know their status and who take up ART continues to increase, the year-to-year rate of change has remained constant. Since 2017, the number of PLHIV enrolled on ART has increased by 4,000–6,000 each year, suggesting that, at this rate, 95% coverage may be obtainable by 2035, if the number of PLHIV in need of ART remains stable. This incremental progress has occurred despite increases in investment for the national HIV response and changes in service delivery models, particularly by PEPFAR-supported implementers, who have expanded the number and scope of community-level actors to improve engagement and retention in care.
Similarly, Global Fund-supported ART facilities increased from 82 in 2019 to 245 in 2024, an 80% increase. Despite these expansions, gains in ART coverage and retention remain modest. Data from the last cohort analysis (2023) indicate a retention rate of 67% or less at 12 months in some facilities, with most individuals lost to follow-up during the first three months after treatment initiation.
Among individuals aged 15–49, HIV prevalence is estimated at 2.4%, with approximately 194,000 PLHIV. Women and girls account for 64% of new infections, highlighting a significant gender disparity. Ongoing displacement and limited health access continue to challenge retention in care, particularly for women and children.
Despite these challenges, AAA has actively strengthened HIV services in South Sudan, reaching communities through peer educators, mobile clinics, and home-based testing, and providing testing, care, and treatment support. In 2025, AAA’s HIV programme reached 139,513 individuals with counselling and testing, identifying 927 HIV-positive patients, linking 743 to care, and enrolling 773 newly on ART (including 30 through proxy). By the end of December, 4,343 patients were currently on treatment (Male: 1,635; Female: 2,708), while 76% of pregnant women received ART for PMTCT.
Despite these achievements, the annual number of new infections remains high at around 8,100, and the national strategic plan for 2024/2025 requires $360 million to achieve its goals.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 2025

• Persons counselled and offered HIV testing services (HTS): 139,513
• HIV-positive patients identified: 927
• HIV-positive patients linked to care: 743
• Newly enrolled on ART in 2025: 773 (including 30 linked through proxy)
• Treatment current by end of December: 4,343 (Male: 1,635; Female: 2,708)

Each person tested, linked to care, or maintained on treatment represents a life supported and a potential HIV transmission prevented. Looking ahead to 2026, AAA aims to expand community-based testing, strengthen ART retention, and enhance PMTCT services, further reducing new infections and improving health outcomes for the most vulnerable populations.