The cessation of Global Fund grants has highlighted critical gaps in Bosnia and Herzegovina's HIV response, according to new data from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Limited surveillance and insufficient data collection among key populations are among the challenges hampering effective intervention planning, coinciding with a rise in new HIV cases.

Erwin Cooreman, WHO's special representative in BiH, emphasised the importance of implementing comprehensive plans aligned with the WHO's Regional Action Plans for HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections 2022–2030. “These plans are essential for enhancing interventions and tracking progress toward global goals, which remain achievable,” he stated.

A key recommendation involves expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a proven HIV prevention tool. Cooreman noted that PrEP’s success depends on well-funded, inclusive strategies. “Our goal is to make PrEP accessible to individuals at highest risk, requiring coordinated efforts from the government, healthcare providers, and civil society,” he said.

To make PrEP widely available, systemic issues must be addressed, including procurement of generic medications, integration into health insurance coverage, and decentralised distribution through pharmacies. The inclusion of self-testing for HIV within existing health services is also deemed vital.

Health authorities are called to prioritise prevention and treatment by incorporating antiretroviral drugs into essential medicines lists and revising PrEP guidelines to reflect WHO recommendations. Strategic planning for HIV, alongside hepatitis and STI management, remains critical to improving early detection, prevention, and care.

Addressing these challenges and accelerating PrEP rollout offers BiH an opportunity to significantly reduce new HIV infections and improve the lives of those affected.