PLoS launches VMMC modelling collection

The articles in a special PLoS collection of modelling studies offer insights on how to enhance the impact and cost-effectiveness of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC programmes), says a senior USAID advisor in a PLoS blog. In an interview, Dr. Emmanuel Njeuhmeli notes that the modelling results have already guided strategic changes in programme planning at a time when funding for VMMC in eastern and southern Africa has plateaued. “If countries focus now on prioritising certain age groups, risk groups, and geographic areas, they will minimise new HIV infections more efficiently and save future HIV treatment dollars,” he says. Dr. Njeuhmeli, who serves as senior biomedical prevention advisor in USAID’s Office of HIV/AIDS, adds that the articles in the collection provide countries with a good understanding of which age groups they should focus on for cost-effectiveness, immediacy of impact, and magnitude of impact (PLoS Collections Blog, 26 October 2016).