On the occasion of World AIDS Day on 1 December 2024, the International Antiviral (formerly AIDS) Society-USA (IAS-USA) has published new international guidelines for the treatment and prevention of HIV. The updated recommendations were developed by a panel of volunteer medical experts, including DZIF scientist Prof Clara Lehmann of the University Hospital Cologne. They are based on significant advances in antiretroviral therapies and new prevention strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis. The 2024 guidelines highlight the significant progress made in the fight against HIV while recognising that there is still much to be done to ensure equitable access to life-saving interventions.