An Aids breakthrough

A major breakthrough in the fight against Aids has gained momentum through the science of microbicides. Professor Gita Ramjee of the South African Medical Research Council says the science behind microbicides has been in development for more than fifteen years and while early products were designed to kill the virus, newer products are targeting the attachment of the virus to the cells of the genital tract or at preventing viral replication. These products can take the form of a gel, cream, sponge or ring that releases an active ingredient which can kill or inactivate HIV cells during sexual intercourse.