Need to Invest in New HIV Prevention Methods Remains "Urgent," International Microbicides Conference Hears

"Although the research for new HIV prevention technologies has indeed made some progress, ... a formidable way lies ahead to find enough money to finish the research and to make 'from discovery to delivery' a reality for those in need of protecting themselves from HIV," CNS/Scoop.co.nz reports. "This issue of health financing of new HIV prevention technologies was in spotlight at the closing day plenary of the International Microbicides Conference (M2012) in Sydney, Australia," the news service adds.

"'[T]he need to invest in new HIV prevention methods remains urgent and necessary,' said Dr. Debrework Zewdie, deputy general manager and head of" the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria's strategy, investment and impact division, the news service writes. "Zewdie added: 'Today, more than 30 years after the start of the AIDS epidemic, we have more tools to prevent the disease than ever before. But are these all the tools we need and are they accessible to all in need?'" according to the news service. The article discusses the lag time between discovery and delivery of prevention technologies, barriers to access to these technologies, funding gaps, and the cost of bringing a drug or technology from development to market (Ramakant, 4/19).