An Aids-free World

I drive two cars and usually wear a seatbelt. In my older car, I sometimes forget to buckle up. In the newer model, I never fail to perform this task—an alarm pesters me until the deed is done. Today, we have finally identified protective measures, including early testing and treatment and mother-child chemoprophylaxis, that could usher in an AIDS-free generation. But to truly arrest its spread, these tools must transition from research into everydaypractice, a challenge that cannot be overestimated. And as with seat belts, the effort will succeed only if these measures are applied widely and consistently. Five elements will be required: (1) a louder and continued clarion call mobilizing the public and the political leadership; (2) global champions with fiscal resources supporting the effort; (3) adequate public health infrastructure and capacity; (4) public-private partnerships to maximize the resources and approaches; and (5) sustained scientific investment into more effective solutions. Do we have the requisite political will, economic resources, diagnostic technology, manufacturing capacity, clinical infrastructure, and healthcare delivery systems to ensure that these measures are applied reproducibly, systematically, and with local flexibility? The US Government initiative PEPFAR markedly advanced global drug treatment, and calls formore comprehensive action have been issued. Yet progress has been alarmingly slow. The need for systems to apply these new interventions in everyday life remains urgent. A seat belt not used saves no lives. Defining Protective Antibodies