Published: October 9, 2025 | Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
Category: Infectious Diseases | Public Health | Guidelines Update

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the development of new evidence-based recommendations on Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) — a neglected sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects 5–10 million people worldwide.

HTLV-1, discovered in 1977, is linked to serious diseases such as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1–associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Despite its severe health impact, few public health measures exist globally to address it.

This marks the first WHO guideline focusing on testing and prevention of HTLV-1, aiming to strengthen global health responses and promote early detection and awareness.

“More concerted global public health actions are needed to contain this infectious disease,” WHO stated.

Key Details:

• The Guideline Development Group (GDG) will convene virtually on December 8–9, 2025, to shape recommendations on who to test, how to test, and prevention strategies.
• The GDG includes experts from all WHO regions — representing clinicians, researchers, and affected communities — ensuring diverse, science-based perspectives.
• Public feedback is encouraged on the GDG member biographies until October 24, 2025.
  Comments can be sent to: 📧 hiv-aids@who.int

These upcoming guidelines will form part of a broader WHO initiative, in collaboration with PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), to strengthen global surveillance and prevention of HTLV-1.