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New HIV/AIDS study on diaphragm

    JOHANNESBURG

    For the first time, the use of latex diaphragms in preventing the transmission of HIV will be studied, South Africa's Medical Research Council (MRC) said on Monday.

    The MRC said while studies had been done on diaphragms as a contraceptive, they had never been tested as a precaution in the transmission of HIV.

    "Current research suggests the woman's cervix is the main port of entry for HIV. A cervix covered with a diaphragm could possibly reduce infection risks among women," MRC head of HIV/AIDS Prevention Research, Gita Ramjee, told the UN news service PlusNews.

    Ramjee said the US $28 million four-year study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

    "The study kicks off in September and is set to monitor some 4,500 women from around Southern Africa. If effective, we hope the product will be sold at a reduced cost or [provided] free of charge," Ramjee added.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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