Dr. Helene Gayle: Spread of HIV Can Be Slashed

As many as 45 million more people may have HIV by the end of the decade -- but almost two-thirds of those cases could be prevented with condoms, diaphragms, and funding commitments from the world's top nations, according to Dr. Helene Gayle, director of the HIV/AIDS program for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Speaking at the 14th International AIDS Conference in Barcelona, Gayle said one study indicated that condom distribution cost only $11 to $17 for each HIV infection prevented. "But in poor countries, only one of five people at risk of infection are reached by such methods," she said. "We will pay now or pay later, but the longer we wait the [more] monetary and human costs will escalate."

Gayle told the delegates about ongoing studies by public and private US groups testing new methods of prevention, including:

• Treating non-HIV STDs more aggressively. In Tanzania, this resulted in a 40 percent reduction in HIV infection, although the medical reasons for it are unclear.

• Promoting circumcision of men. Studies show this reduces HIV risk by half, although it is not clear whether the reason is biological or because circumcision induces safer sexual behavior.
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• Promoting use of diaphragms by women. Studies show that the cervix is more biologically susceptible to HIV than vaginal tissue, so protecting it might inhibit infection.

• Experimenting with post-exposure prophylaxis. Studies suggest that taking certain antiretroviral drugs after unplanned exposure to HIV might inhibit infection.

• Investigating pre-exposure prophylaxis. Studies are underway to see if taking antiretroviral drugs before HIV exposure might help prevent infection.

"However, none of these new technologies will likely be 100 percent effective in preventing transmission," Gayle said. "Therefore we must maintain a balance between biomedical options and behavioral prevention."

Back to other CDC news for July 10, 2002

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