JAMA   
July 25, 2012, Vol 308, No. 4
http://jama.ama-assn.org/current.dtl
This issue of JAMA is largely themed to HIV/AIDS including editorials, research and clinical practice topics.

Viewpoint |
Toward an AIDS-Free Generation
Anthony S. Fauci, MD; Gregory K. Folkers, MS, MPH
JAMA. 2012;308(4):343-344. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.8142

Extract
… The prospect of an HIV cure remains challenging.7 Despite the considerable success of antiretroviral therapy in reducing viremia and improving patient health, it has not been possible to cure an individual of HIV infection—ie, to induce permanent remission in the absence of therapy. Over the past 3 years, an accelerated research effort has been undertaken to elucidate the exact mechanisms of HIV persistence and to develop interventions to eliminate or permanently suppress recalcitrant HIV reservoirs.  The effects of a cure would substantially benefit the individual, obviating the need for lifelong daily therapy. In addition, society would benefit because of the reduction in treatment costs and rates of HIV transmission.

The availability of combination antiretroviral therapy for prevention as well as treatment, advances in preexposure prophylaxis with oral or mucosally delivered antiretroviral medications to reduce an individual’s risk of acquiring HIV infection, together with scaling up medical male circumcision, services for pregnant HIV-infected women, condom provision, and other proven prevention tools suggest that controlling and ultimately ending the global HIV/AIDS pandemic is possible. Achieving this goal, however, will require implementing a multifaceted global effort to expand testing, treatment, and prevention programs, as well as meet the scientific challenges of developing an HIV vaccine and possibly a cure. Realization of success will require a global commitment of resources involving additional donor countries, strengthening health care systems overall, and fostering greater ownership by host countries of HIV/AIDS effort, including investing more in the health of their people. With collective and resolute action now and a steadfast commitment for years to come, an AIDS-free generation is indeed within reach.