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To end the HIV-1 pandemic, concerted research efforts must focus on sub-Saharan Africa

Nature Reviews Microbiology volume 23, pages 403–404 (2025)Cite this article

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Despite the global burden of HIV-1, the majority of sequence data and research remain disproportionately focused on subtype B, primarily circulating in the global north. Sub-Saharan Africa, the epicentre of HIV-1 genetic diversity and prevalence, requires increased representation in sequencing efforts and regionally led research to inform effective interventions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biomedical and Molecular Metabolism Research (BioMMet), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

    Monray E. Williams

  2. HIV Pathogenesis Programme, The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

    Jaclyn K. Mann & Thumbi Ndung’u

  3. Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa

    Thumbi Ndung’u

  4. Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK

    Thumbi Ndung’u

  5. Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA

    Thumbi Ndung’u

  6. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

    Marius B. Tincho

  7. Center of Research for Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases (CREMER), Institute of Medical Research and Study of Medicinal Plants (IMPM), Yaoundé, Cameroon

    Marcel Tongo

  8. South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa

    Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi

  9. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa

    Thulani P. Makhalanyane

Authors
  1. Monray E. Williams
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  2. Jaclyn K. Mann
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  3. Thumbi Ndung’u
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  4. Marius B. Tincho
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  5. Marcel Tongo
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  6. Ntobeko A. B. Ntusi
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  7. Thulani P. Makhalanyane
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Monray E. Williams.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Williams, M.E., Mann, J.K., Ndung’u, T. et al. To end the HIV-1 pandemic, concerted research efforts must focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Nat Rev Microbiol 23, 403–404 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-025-01188-5

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