In case you missed it, June 20th marked an historic day in the search for an effective method of HIV prevention. The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) announced its results from a groundbreaking study that affirmed the effectiveness of a microbicide The nearly 3-year study showed a 39% reduction in HIV infection rates amongst participants overall and a 54% reduction in those participants with high adherence. CAPRISA estimates that use of the gel could reduce infections by half a million in South Africa alone. The results are particularly encouraging because the microbicide gel empowers women to take control of their HIV status, particularly in instances where women face difficulties negotiating safe sex.
