world aids day - editorial

Knowledge about HIV infection epidemiology is being refined on an ongoing basis. Beyond scientific knowledge on the very nature of the virus and the various means of fighting it, we understand better and better the dynamics of contamination risks. We are now able to identify which groups are most at risk in a given area, and how such risks may change and reach other population groups, or even the general public.

However, despite this understanding of the virus's transmission modes, we are still unable to slow down the epidemic's devastating consequences in the world's most vulnerable areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa, although there is now better access to antiretroviral therapies. Africa is not doomed to fail; nor is any other area. In some regions of the continent specifically targeted prevention activities have proven effective in reducing the number of new contaminations.

In order to accelerate the decline of the AIDS epidemic, it is critical that we implement specific prevention measures where they are the most efficient. To do so, it is essential to improve the co-operation between governments and the myriad community-based and private initiatives that are at the forefront of the AIDS response.

The editor

UNAIDS Launches AIDSspace.org Social Network – This is an online community dedicated to connecting people, sharing knowledge and accessing services for the people living with HIV and the millions who are part of the response. Sign up today at www.aidsspace.org

OUTLOOK, New UNAIDS Magazine – This publication explains the various modes of HIV transmission and shows how the study of these modes of transmission can influence the approaches chosen in order to develop effective prevention modalities.