2010: Release of microbicides
Despite the increasing successes of various HIV prevention methods, the pandemic continues to spread across countries at alarming rates. For this reason, researchers are looking into the development of microbicides to provide much needed assistance in the effort to prevent contraction of the disease.
Microbicides are chemical compounds that can come in the form of gels, creams, or suppositories. When applied to the vaginal and rectal areas prior to sexual contact, they can help protect the body against infiltration by sexually transmitted diseases. There are currently 23 microbicide products in various stages of development, with the first expected to be commercially available in 2010.
Many researchers speculate that that if microbicides become available for over-the-counter sale, they could be disseminated in similar ways as condoms. Successful and widespread use of microbicides could prevent millions of HIV infections a year as well as significantly alleviate health care costs to the governments of afflicted countries.
Links:
WHO on microbicides
Global Campaign for Microbicides