Britain Launches Search for Anti-HIV Gel

Originally published by Reuters, February 19, 2002

LONDON (Reuters) — Britain launched a 5-year program with five African nations Tuesday to find an effective gel or cream to prevent infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

The Department for International Development (DFID) said it is sponsoring the $23 million project with South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon and Zambia to find the right kind of microbicide.

"We need to increase the range of products available that would give women the ability to protect themselves from HIV in ways that they can control," Clare Short, Secretary of State for International Development, said. "An effective microbicide, which must be affordable in poor countries, would be immensely useful," she added.

The DFID said a cream or gel microbicide could be an important weapon in poor countries where men discourage the use of condoms.

"We are delighted to be able to work with our colleagues to coordinate this very important program of research into microbicides which we hope will help women throughout the world, but particularly in Africa, to protect themselves against HIV and AIDS," said Dr. Janet Darbyshire, of Britain's Medical Research Council, which will test the microbicides.