Purpose of the review: To examine the population-level effects of introducing and/or expanding biomedical interventions for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sexually transmitted infections through mathematical modeling.
Recent findings: Successes of several ground-breaking clinical trials have invigorated the field of HIV prevention with new enthusiasm and opportunities for research into and application of biomedical HIV prevention. Mathematical modeling has advanced in tandem with valuable contributions to both investigative science and public health. New models provide qualitative and quantitative insights regarding the epidemiological impact of the uptake of biomedical interventions, singly and/or in combination including treatment of sexually transmitted infections, condom use, male circumcision, antiretroviral treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis and vaccine for HIV prevention.
Summary: Biomedical interventions are critical for reversing the HIV pandemic. Mathematical modeling is invaluable for informed biomedical HIV prevention research, policy and practice.