New Strait Times – After nearly three decades of the HIV pandemic and more than 33 million infections worldwide, more than 19,000 participants at the 18th international AIDS conference in Vienna last week were re-energised with some good news and new hopes in the search for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Unveiled for the first time in Vienna were the results of a study on an anti-retroviral drug containing vaginal gel that could protect women against HIV infection. With up to 50 per cent of the global HIV infection occurring in women and rising rates of women becoming infected in Malaysia annually, this represents the most significant and promising result that will allow women to protect themselves from HIV during sexual intercourse.
Given that abstinence, using condoms and being faithful have been unsuccessful in preventing HIV infection, a vaginal microbicide gel is a critical step forward.
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