Prospects for the Implementation of HIV Molecular Transmission Network–Informed AIDS Prevention and Control in China

The human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-infected population with a transmission link has a strong genetic similarity in viral gene sequences that tend to cluster.In recent years,a strategy for guiding HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS)prevention using sequence-based transmission networks has been proposed.The execution of this strategy provides an opportunity to effectively control the spread of the AIDS epidemic in China.HIV molecular transmission network research has been actively pursued by a number of Chinese research groups.Medium-and long-term strategies were created with the goal of using HIV molecular transmission networks to guide targeted prevention and control in China.Technical guidelines for HIV transmission network monitoring and intervention have been written and released.Pilot studies are continuing in the meantime.Despite the fact that this strategy has a bright future,there are still many challenges to overcome to achieve the intended AIDS prevention and control goals.

Advances in research of HIV transmission networks

Transmission network analysis is a crucial evaluation tool aiming to explore the characteristics of the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic,develop evidence-based prevention strategies,and contribute to various areas of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevention and control.Over recent decades,transmission networks have made tremendous strides in terms of modes,methods,applications,and various other aspects.Transmission network methods,including social,sexual,and molecular transmission networks,have played a pivotal role.Each transmission network research method has its advantages,as well as its limitations.In this study,we established a systematic review of these aforementioned transmission networks with respect to their definitions,applications,limitations,recent progress,and synthetic applications.

From a Deadly Disease to a Manageable Chronic Disease,HIV/AIDS Remains a Challenge for Mankind

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)is caused by human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),which was found by French scientists 40 years ago,12 years after AIDS was firstly reported by US scientists.2 TheHIV/AIDS pandemic has spread to every country of theworldwith over 84 million infections and more than 40 million deaths since the start of the epidemic.3 According to Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS(UNAIDS),there are 38.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS(PLWHA)in 2021.4 In order to realize the Ending AIDS Plan by 2030,the UNAIDS made the intermediate target of less than 500,000 new HIV infections and 500,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2020.5 In the 2021 United Nations(UN)75th General Assembly,the General Secretary reported that the 2020 target of Ending AIDS Plan was not reached,6 with 1.7 million HIV infections and 690,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2019.7 In order to bring the Ending AIDS Plan back on track,UNAIDS setup a higher goal of“95-95-95,”meaning the percentage for all PLWHA who know their HIV status.