World Losing AIDS Battle, Minister Warns as £220 Million Fund Launched

The British government announced today a new £220 million (US $353 million) fund for research into technological interventions to stop the spread of HIV. In London, the government is convening a meeting of researchers, industry, and experts to plan and prioritize prevention efforts.

The global epidemic will continue growing with little constraint unless more money and effort are devoted to preventing transmission, Gareth Thomas, minister for the UK Department for International Development, said in a statement.

"The reality is that the spread of HIV is set to spiral out of control unless we act now," Thomas said. "Five people [become] infected with HIV every minute. We must increase our efforts, and increase them now."

The fund will support research into new products over which females have some control, such as microbicide gels, films or sponges, the department said. The fund could also support vaccine development and prophylactic drugs based on existing antiretroviral treatments, which might help serodiscordant couples.

"Only through research will we find ways to halt this epidemic," Thomas said. "I hope this funding will help discover new life-saving technology."

Back to other news for November 2008