Challenges towards an AIDS-free generation in Africa and Asia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the latest data on prevention of HIV vertical transmission in Asia and Africa and discuss strategic directions to achieve an AIDS free generation by 2030. RECENT FINDINGS: Progress in vertical transmission elimination efforts in Africa and Asia have stalled in the last decade, with 130 000 new infections in 2022. Main causes of vertical transmissions vary; in Asia-Pacific due to its low-burden, thus low testing coverage, but high overall vertical transmission rates, in South and East Africa due to new HIV infections during pregnancy and breast/chestfeeding, whereas in Western and Central Africa due to low antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage. Long-acting injectable ART and neutralizing antibodies for treatment and prevention show promise in supporting efforts to further reduce vertical transmissions. Integrated and more accessible pre- and postnatal care is needed to achieve an AIDS-free generation. SUMMARY: Much can be implemented to address existing HIV service gaps; including strengthening of HIV prevention services for youth and women of childbearing age and pregnant people, early detection and treatment, and the delivery of integrated services that can reach and retain pregnant and postpartum people living with HIV in care.

Grand challenges in entomology: Priorities for action in the coming decades.

Entomology is key to understanding terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems at a time of unprecedented anthropogenic environmental change and offers substantial untapped potential to benefit humanity in a variety of ways, from improving agricultural practices to managing vector-borne diseases and inspiring technological advances.We identified high priority challenges for entomology using an inclusive, open, and democratic four-stage prioritisation approach, conducted among the membership and affiliates (hereafter 'members') of the UK-based Royal Entomological Society (RES).A list of 710 challenges was gathered from 189 RES members. Thematic analysis was used to group suggestions, followed by an online vote to determine initial priorities, which were subsequently ranked during an online workshop involving 37 participants.The outcome was a set of 61 priority challenges within four groupings of related themes: (i) 'Fundamental Research' (themes: Taxonomy, 'Blue Skies' [defined as research ideas without immediate practical application], Methods and Techniques); (ii) 'Anthropogenic Impacts and Conservation' (themes: Anthropogenic Impacts, Conservation Options); (iii) 'Uses, Ecosystem Services and Disservices' (themes: Ecosystem Benefits, Technology and Resources [use of insects as a resource, or as inspiration], Pests); (iv) 'Collaboration, Engagement and Training' (themes: Knowledge Access, Training and Collaboration, Societal Engagement).Priority challenges encompass research questions, funding objectives, new technologies, and priorities for outreach and engagement. Examples include training taxonomists, establishing a global network of insect monitoring sites, understanding the extent of insect declines, exploring roles of cultivated insects in food supply chains, and connecting professional with amateur entomologists. Responses to different challenges could be led by amateur and professional entomologists, at all career stages.Overall, the challenges provide a diverse array of options to inspire and initiate entomological activities and reveal the potential of entomology to contribute to addressing global challenges related to human health and well-being, and environmental change.