Preface

The present book focus on hot topics in HIV/AIDS research and every chapter was prepared by experts in the field.

Despite a global decline in the number of new HIV infection, in some areas including the Middle East the incidence rate of HIV infection is increasing. Consequently, effective prevention strategies as well as increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) are needed. In fact, control efforts for HIV infection requires to achieve a 50 percent reduction of HIV transmission among people who are infected through injection drug use or sexual intercourse, and elimination of mother-to-child transmission by way of providing antiretroviral treatment to pregnant HIV-positive women with a coverage target of 90% by 2015. On the other hand, one of the main objectives of international organizations is to increase the access to ART both as a life saving medication for people living with HIV and as an effective practice to prevent the infection. Fortunately, the infection with HIV is not considered a fatal disease anymore and it turned into a chronic disease and HIV infected people may enjoy near-normal life expectancy and reach old age.

Unfortunately, HIV-related stigma and discrimination is still significant in most areas of the world. However, the integration of HIV services with Primary Health Care (PHC) has proved to be an effective measure put in place by some nations. Further, reforming current laws and regulations and the development of new anti-discrimination legislation seem to be important for effective preventive and treatment activities.

The current book does not cover all aspects of HIV/AIDS. But, it presents a brief account of major issues and developments dealing with basic, epidemiology and clinical research for medical and scientific applications in this field.

The editor appreciates the effort and patience of all authors who participated in the writing of the chapters.