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After years of research, we finally have proof of concept that topical antiretrovirals can safely prevent HIV infection. In the CAPRISA 004 trial, a tenofovir gel applied both before and after sex reduced women's risk for HIV infection by 39% compared with placebo — and by as much as 54% in women who used the gel consistently. It also reduced women's risk for genital herpes by 51% (JW AIDS Clin Care Jul 26 2010). These findings take us one step closer to a female-controlled HIV prevention strategy. Since the results were announced in July at the International AIDS Conference in Vienna, the international community has put forth unprecedented effort to speed up the timeline for implementation.
About a month after the CAPRISA 004 results were r…