The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, congratulated researchers at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) on their significant breakthrough in the prevention of HIV and genital herpes in women.

The CAPRISA 004 trial, a groundbreaking safety and effectiveness study, tested the use of an antiretroviral in the form of a preventative microbicide. The results of the study demonstrate that the antiretroviral drug, Tenofovir, can be effective in the prevention of the HIV in women.

Minister Pandor said that "this signals new hope in our efforts to prevent HIV infection and is especially significant for Africa given the disproportionate burden of HIV infection in women.

" Since 1999, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in cooperation with a range of partners, has been investing in the research and development of microbicides, AIDS vaccines and other prevention and treatment solutions. This has been done through LifeLab, which is now part of the Technology Innovation Agency.

"The potential use of microbicides as armour against HIV infection in women is particularly important because women carry a higher burden of HIV. Microbicides can be used in situations where women have little negotiating power to persuade male partners to use condoms," Minister Pandor added.

The study was co-funded by the American government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The DST remains committed to supporting the research and development of new, safe and affordable anti-HIV/Aids-related products and technologies, as this is critical to turn the tide against Aids. DST will work closely with the national Department of Health to assist South African scientists to build on these achievements.

Issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology

Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson

012 843 6802
082 566 0446
lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za