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What are they?
A Microbicide is an anti-infective medication formulated
for topical administration before intercourse to protect against
HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI's).
Why do we need them?
As the vast majority of new HIV infections are by sexual
contact, the key to slowing the HIV epidemic is to prevent
sexual transmission of HIV. |
A vaginal ring – one of the ways in which microbicides
could be formulated
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Condoms remain the most effective way of stopping sexually transmitted
HIV, however, despite widespread efforts to encourage condom use
many people do not have the power to avoid sexual contact with partners
who may be HIV infected or to ensure condom use. This is particularly
the case for women who may not have the ability to control their
sexual interactions with men and safeguard their own sexual health.
Microbicides have the potential to empower many individuals to protect
themselves against HIV.
The fact that microbicides could have a dramatic impact on HIV
transmission is indicated by epidemiological modelling performed
by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This modelling
has indicated that a microbicide that is 60% effective could avoid
up to 2.5 million infections worldwide over three years even if
it is only used by a moderate number of people (for example if 20%
of people who are in contact with local services in 73 low income
countries used a microbicide 50% of the time that a condom is not
used).
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