HIV/AIDS—Maintaining Momentum, Accelerating Action

Abstract

THE GRAVITY OF THE SHORT REPORT DESCRIBING 5 young men with a possible “cellular-immune dysfunction” published 30 years ago could not have been fully appreciated at the time. However, the fear and frustration associated with subsequent spread of the disease later known as AIDS have been etched into the memory of those clinicians who stood at the forefront of the epidemic. Three decades after the MMWR report, effective antiretroviral drugs are at the clinician’s disposal and prevention strategies are being implemented with vigor. In 2011, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS reported slowing of the rate of new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection globally. This good news is tempered by the reality that an estimated 34 million persons have HIV infection worldwide. For those individuals fortunate enough to receive treatment, several vexing issues remain, including drug resistance, drug toxicity, and coinfections. Although progress in combating HIV/AIDS has been extraordinary, additional approaches are needed. As in prior years, in July 2012 JAMA will publish a theme issue highlighting HIV/AIDS research, scheduled to coincide with the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC. The issue will have an expanded focus, to include HIV/tuberculosis coinfection and HIV/ hepatitis C coinfection. JAMA invites authors to submit evidence-based manuscripts on HIV-related prevention and treatment for consideration for publication. Original research, particularly randomized controlled trials of HIV therapy, will receive the highest priority. However, systematic reviews and scholarly commentaries are also welcome. Topics on HIV basic science and the clinical application thereof, behavioral and preventive intervention strategies, epidemiology, and studies relevant to an international context are also of interest. Submitted manuscripts will undergo editorial review and, if appropriate, will then be evaluated through the peer review process. Authors should refer to the JAMA Instructions for Authors concerning the preparation and submission of papers, and are encouraged to contact us with any questions. Manuscripts received by February 27, 2012, will have a higher chance of being considered for the 2012 HIV/AIDS issue. Since the initial report in 1981, knowledge has been painstakingly acquired that now points to a hopeful future with a possible end to the pandemic. With that goal in mind, we look forward to receiving your manuscripts for consideration for the 2012 HIV/AIDS theme issue.