• Who are microbicides for?

Who are microbicides for?

This report from The Population Council and International Family Health presents the case for microbicides, discusses recent progress and developments, and notes outstanding challenges. It goes on to outline the action required to accelerate research and development, and to ensure that products will be made available to those who most need them. More than 90% of new infections are spread through unprotected sex, and women, especially young women, are biologically more vulnerable to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections than men. Because of gender inequality, condoms, while effective if used correctly and consistently, are simply not a feasible option for many women.

The development of a prevention method that women control could save millions of lives. However, the development of microbicides faces a number of constraints, most notably inadequate funding and lack of industry participation. Making microbicides available as rapidly as possible will require accelerated scientific inquiry, global political commitment, concerted efforts to raise awareness about the potential of this approach, and a significant increase in investment from public agencies, private foundations, individuals, and industry. [adapted from author]

• Full text of document
• Publisher details
• Send to a friend