Although mentoring is an important part of academic research, it is not common practice in many countries. In particular, many mentoring guidelines and strategies are tailored for high-income countries and lack appropriate approaches for mentoring in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

Research led by Vanderbilt investigators found nearly 40% of HIV-exposed infants in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) were not in care at 18 months of age or had died. Despite the availability and progress of HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs which includes postpartum follow-up of HIV-positive mothers and their HIV-exposed infants, many infants do not remain engaged in early infant diagnosis (EID) services that are essential to optimal health outcomes.

Programs and interventions focused on reducing the risk of HIV and early pregnancy, improving school attendance, and empowering girls can have significant and powerful effects for adolescent girls. Simultaneously, these programs may have unanticipated effects that inhibit the program's success.

In 2017, according to UNAIDS, more than 90% of HIV-positive pregnant women accessed antiretroviral (ART) medicines to prevent mother-to child transmission of HIV in Southern Africa, and recent research suggests access and adherence to ART remains high during pregnancy due in part to the scale up of national antenatal (ANC) and ART care clinics.  Engagement in HIV care after delivery, however, can be challenging.

On World AIDS Day, The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, published a blog post by Kate Clouse, Ph.D., MPH, VIGH core faculty. She calls for improved HIV data systems to provide quality care and ensure lifelong engagement in HIV care.

World Malaria Day 2017, observed on Tuesday, April 25, seeks to raise awareness and highlight the need to close the gap in access to malaria prevention tools. While the burden of disease continues to decline, efforts to improve access to interventions that prevent, diagnose and treat malaria are needed to reach the Sustainable Development Goals of malaria elimination by 2030, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is most prevalent.

To acknowledge World AIDS Day, 1 December 2016, a wide variety of papers published in Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene and International Health over the past two years is offered online. Editorial Board member, Professor Sten Vermund, introduces the collection: