SOUTH AFRICA: Project launched to accelerate microbicide research

In response to escalating HIV infections among women, South Africa's Medical Research Council (MRC) will be launching the country's first microbicide research initiative.

Microbicides produce a chemical barrier that could substantially reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other STIs when used in the vagina or rectum. They can come in many forms, including gels, creams, suppositories, films, or in the form of a sponge or vaginal ring.

Although microbicides would probably never be as effective as condoms in preventing infection, women who seldom or never use condoms could lower their overall risk of infection by using a microbicide, Dr Gita Ramjee, director of the HIV Prevention Unit, told the UN news service IRIN.

Men, however, also played a crucial role in microbicide research, she added. "We need their commitment and involvement to make this happen."

The HIV Prevention Research Unit of the MRC launched the initiative on Wednesday during a two-day workshop on microbicides. The project will create partnerships with other research organisations and the department of health, and will focus on women controlled methods of prevention.

"South Africa has done numerous trials on microbicides. In fact we are currently the leading country doing research on microbicides," Ramjee added.

But microbicides are not yet available. "Research like this takes time, we are hoping to see them made available in the next 5 or 6 years. But when they become available, our studies show that they will be highly acceptable," Ramjee said.

She added that educating "the woman on the street" was an important part of the initiative. "Women need to know that they will soon have the power to negotiate safe sex."