A vaginal gel can cut the risk of HIV infection in half, according to a study published by Science.
An experiment carried out in South Africa confirmed the effectiveness of the gel, used by 889 women whose partners were infected with HIV. After a year, the frequency of infections was reduced by half, after 2,5 years – by 39%. This is the first evidence that the gel may be effective – previous studies have shown less promising results.
The gel contains the drug – tenofovir. Its purpose is to protect women whose partners refuse to use condoms. The problem of HIV infection is particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa, where almost 60 percent of those infected are women. Many of them are forced to have intercourse without a condom, and they become infected more easily than men.
For women aged 18 to 40, the gel – used 12 hours before and 12 hours after intercourse – was considered safe and acceptable. In addition to HIV, it prevented the transmission of genital herpes. The research was conducted simultaneously in the village and the city. (PAP)