AIDS: Taking a Long-term View

A new book from FT Press Science and aids2031

Sharply reducing the number of new infections and AIDS deaths by 2031 requires new ways of thinking about AIDS and responding to the challenges that the pandemic poses.

This is the message of AIDS: Taking a Long-term View, a new book to be published on December 13th by FT Press Science (ISBN 13: 9780132172592, $34.99, Hardcover, 224 pages). This publication is the result of three years of work of the aids2031 Consortium. This effort, conceived on the 25^th anniversary of AIDS, is a guide as we move forward towards the year 2031, which will mark 50 years since AIDS was first reported.

The findings of aids2031 make a compelling case for an HIV prevention revolution—we must now empower a new generation of young leadership to irreversibly break the trajectory of the epidemic and strive towards Zero new HIV infections. Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS                                          

In this short, concise and to-the-point analysis, the report traces the responses to the AIDS challenge over the past thirty years, putting together the knowledge, expertise and analysis brought to the table by this impressive group of AIDS experts, policymakers, social and biomedical scientists, international development specialists and community activists, to come up with a roadmap of what needs to be done to really make a difference in the future of AIDS.

It is clear that it is time to redesign the response to AIDS and replace the reactive, short-term approach with proactive, long term measures addressing what is a generations’ long challenge.

Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

With our best efforts, one million annual new infections are still likely to occur in 2031 and, if our current efforts are reduced, we will see even more.

In Southern Africa, aids2031 has helped us think hard about how national responses can balance the short- term pressures with the long-term perspective of the epidemic.

Achmat Dangour, CEO, Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Conclusions of the report lay down the foundations of what must be done now to significantly reduce new infections and AIDS deaths. It requires new prevention and treatment tools, sound policies to optimize the effectiveness of programs, innovative approaches to AIDS financing, the creation of strong and durable capacity in countries, transition from a focus on individuals to one that views communities as critical fulcrums for success, and management practices to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

Efficiency is at the core of a redesigned AIDS response. Generating knowledge and using it better for more effective results is a core message of aids2031. Stefano Bertozzi, Director, HIV and Tuberculosis, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The aids2031 Consortium includes nine thematic working groups on the topics of modeling, science and technology, social drivers, the programmatic response, financing, communication, leadership, a special look at hyperendemic countries (Southern Africa), and countries in rapid economic transition (focusing on China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand). These nine groups, along with a group of aids2031 young leaders, engaged over 500 people around the world in discussions, debates, and issue-specific analyses on the current and future state of AIDS. Visit: www.aids2031.org

About FT Press Science

The life sciences revolution is transforming our world as profoundly as the industrial and information revolutions did in the last two centuries. FT Press Science(www.ftpress.com) is committed to publishing scientific and health related books that discuss issues sometimes deemed controversial, ranging from genetics to global warming. FT Press Science captures the excitement and promise of the new life sciences, bringing breakthrough knowledge to every professional and interested citizen. We publish tomorrow’s indispensable work in genetics, evolution, neuroscience, medicine, biotech, environmental science, and emerging scientific fields.

For media interviews and more information on the book contact :Barbara Erskine (for aids2031) : Tel: +4179 202 4528 Email: and Laura Czaja (for FT Press)Tel: +1 212-641-6627 Email: