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Thousands of women in anti-HIV gel trials

    JOHANNESBURG

    British scientists could soon carry out large-scale human trials in Africa of two microbicide gels designed to prevent HIV infection.

    The British Secretary of State for International Development, Hilary Benn, said women would be the main beneficiaries.

    Some 12,000 women are expected to take part in the three-year trials to be held in South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Cameroon.

    Benn was quoted by the BBC as saying: "Women are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. They are 20 percent more likely than men to be infected in sub-Saharan Africa... What microbicides would do is put the power to protect themselves in the hands of women."

    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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