Durable end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic likely will require an HIV vaccine

Theoretically, effective global implementation of existing HIV treatment and prevention tools could end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Antiretroviral therapy that suppresses HIV both benefits the health of those living with HIV and prevents viral transmission to their HIV-negative sexual partners. Additionally, strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can effectively prevent HIV acquisition among people at high risk for infection. However, from a practical standpoint, ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic without a vaccine is unlikely. Despite extraordinary progress in implementing HIV testing and treatment, substantial gaps remain. Globally, more than 17 million people living with HIV are not receiving antiretroviral therapy. This is compounded by the continuing high rate of new infections, an estimated 1.8 million worldwide in 2016 alone. Modeling studies have suggested that the wide geographic dispersion of people, especially in certain rural areas, would make it extremely difficult to reach all those who need HIV treatment and prevention services. In addition,...