On International Women’s Day, the UK National AIDS Trust calls for further support for the development of microbicides and vaccines, new prevention technologies that could prevent millions of women from becoming infected with HIV.
Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of the National AIDS Trust, UK, comments:
“Women worldwide are particularly vulnerable to HIV; in many parts of Africa and South East Asia the group most at risk of being infected with HIV are young married women. In the worst affected regions there are three young women for every man living with HIV. Many are unable to negotiate condom use and so need new ways of protecting themselves from HIV.
New methods of prevention such as microbicides and vaccines will give women an opportunity to take charge of their health and protect themselves from HIV. Research suggests that even a partially effective microbicide could stop 2.5 million HIV infections over three years. This potential can only be realised if efforts to develop microbicides and vaccines are supported both financially and politically and we believe this should be a priority in any strategy to prevent the spread of HIV.”
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes AIDS is transmitted through body fluids, in particular blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. HIV weakens the human body’s immune system, making it difficult to fight infection. Treatments exist which can prevent the onset of AIDS and although there are side effects, a person can lead a healthy, active life with a long life expectancy if they respond well to treatment. However, they can still transmit the infection to others.
The National AIDS Trust is the UK’s leading independent policy and campaigning voice on HIV and AIDS. A registered charity develops policies and campaign to halt the spread of HIV, and improves the quality of life of people affected by HIV and AIDS, both in the UK and internationally.