The 2010 scientific strategic plan of the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise.

摘要

HIV/AIDS remains one of humanity s greatest challenges. Since 1981, it has claimed over 25 million lives and is currently responsible for over 2.5 million new infections worldwide each year. Although progress has been made in preventing new HIV infections and in lowering the annual number of AIDS-related deaths through comprehensive prevention programs and increased access to antiretrovi-ral therapy, the number of people living with HIV-now over 33 million-continues to grow. Currently, only two out of five people who need treatment receive it, and even this modest level of progress in treatment is in jeopardy, as the availability of donor funds plateaus or declines. Whereas universal access to treatment is an ambitious goal, the annual accrual of newly infected individuals who require treatment testifies to the urgent need for more effective prevention strategies. Vaccines are the primary public health intervention for dozens of infectious diseases worldwide; they are easy to administer and yield lasting effects. As one of the most powerful tools for preventing infection against other infectious diseases, a safe, effective, accessible HIV vaccine is therefore one of our greatest priorities-and one of sciences greatest challenges.