Investment into HIV prevention research could speed up breakthroughs

A broader base of funders is needed to sustain support for HIV prevention research, which continues to make breakthroughs that could help to end the AIDS epidemic, according to a report released on Saturday. The report, entitled From Research to Reality: Investing in HIV Prevention Research in a Challenging Environment, was released at the 7th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The report found that while steady research and development progress for pre-exposure prophylaxis using antiretroviral drugs, treatment as prevention and HIV vaccines confirmed the significant role science must play in ending the AIDS epidemic, funding has essentially plateaued “Science has a critical role to play in ending the AIDS epidemic,” Luiz Loures, the deputy executive director of UNAIDS, said. “The potential returns on investments are hugely important and I strongly urge donors to make funding for research and development a top priority.” Last year,...