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Lubricant withdrawn over HIV infection concerns

    JOHANNESBURG

    The makers of Durex condoms, SSL International, have agreed to cease global distribution of condoms containing a controversial lubricant, amid doubts of its ability to prevent HIV infection.

    SSL's discontinued use of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N9) follows safety concerns raised by the World Health Organisation, UNAIDS and the US Centres for Disease Control.

    While originally thought to provide a high level of protection against HIV infection, recent studies have shown that N9 may actually increase the risk of infection by breaking up or irritating the cell lining of the vagina and the rectum.

    Keith Winestein, campaign manager for the UK National AIDS Trust, told the BBC that efforts should redouble to ensure N9 was removed from all condoms manufactured in the UK, as well as abroad.

    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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