HIV/AIDS—Still a Force to Be Reckoned With
Call for Papers
- Gianna Zuccotti, MD, MPH;
- Jeanette M. Smith, MD
Tactical approaches to outmaneuvering the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) include prevention programs1 and an array of agents to counteract the progression of HIV disease.2 A vaccine against HIV would also represent a key control strategy, and a recent vaccine trial in Thailand3 exemplifies the work that is occurring in this quest.
Much effort also has been applied to improving access to treatment, and an estimated 4 million individuals were receiving antiretroviral therapy in low-income and middle-income countries by December 2008.4 However, an estimated 33 million individuals are infected with HIV worldwide,5 leaving no doubt as to remaining challenges. In the United States, the estimates of new cases6 suggest that messages about risk of HIV infection may require renewed force and clarity.
As in previous years (since the early 1980s), in July 2010 JAMA will publish an issue featuring HIV/AIDS research, with the date of publication scheduled to coincide with the 18th International AIDS Conference in Vienna.7 JAMA invites submission of evidence-based papers on HIV prevention and treatment for consideration. Reports of original research, especially randomized controlled trials of HIV therapies, will receive highest priority. Topics on HIV basic science and its clinical application, HIV epidemiology, and effective behavioral and preventive HIV-related interventions are also of interest. Manuscripts reporting data with relevance to international settings are also welcome, as are systematic reviews and scholarly commentaries.
Submitted manuscripts will undergo editorial review, and if suitable, will be evaluated further via peer review. Authors should refer to the JAMA Instructions for Authors8 regarding the preparation and submission of manuscripts. Papers received by February 1, 2010, will have a higher likelihood of consideration for the 2010 HIV/AIDS issue.
The spectacular effectiveness of HIV drugs has served to alleviate untold morbidity and mortality, but an endgame plan for averting AIDS altogether is an urgent imperative. Toward that end we look forward to receiving your manuscripts for the 2010 HIV/AIDS theme issue.
Financial Disclosures: None reported.
Editorials represent the opinions of the authors and JAMA and not those of the American Medical Association.
