New Spotlights on HIV/AIDS: Vaccines and Microbicides
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The Science and Development Network (SciDev.Net) has launched
two new online 'spotlights' on the science of HIV/AIDS, dealing
specifically with the topics of microbicides and vaccines. The
spotlights provide an overview of the issues in relation to de-
veloping countries through the latest news, summaries of key re-
ports and links.
Spotlight on vaccines | http://www.scidev.net/hiv/vaccines
In the 22 years since AIDS was first described, the need for an
effective vaccine against the virus HIV has never been more ur-
gent, and yet the goal seems as elusive as ever. Developing
countries have the greatest burden of AIDS, and the greatest
need for an HIV vaccine. For the past two decades scientists
have been attempting to develop just that. This spotlight high-
lights the work of those dedicated to finding a vaccine, with
news, features and reports providing topical and timely analy-
sis.
Spotlight on microbicides | http://www.scidev.net/hiv/microbicides
In the absence of a vaccine - and the lack of condom use in many
settings - researchers are hoping that microbicides may prove a
viable option. These are substances that can be applied as a
cream, gel or pessary to the vagina or rectum, to kill or immo-
bilise HIV. If developed, for the first time, women might be
able to protect themselves against HIV. This spotlight outlines
the issues, conveys the latest news and provides key documents
and links. It includes a useful overview by Julie Clayton,
SciDev.Net's HIV/AIDS coordinator, on the current research ini-
tiatives as they relate to developing countries.
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Barbara Keating
mailto:barbara.keating@scidev.net