Of the 33 million people worldwide infected with the AIDS virus, 16 million are women. And in Africa, 60 percent of people with HIV infection are women, nearly all of whom acquired the virus through sex. For many, the proven methods of preventing infection, such as abstinence, being faithful and using condoms, are either not an option or out of their control. A vaginal microbicide that could be used with or without a man’s knowledge is considered essential, missing until now.
Short of a vaccine, an effective vaginal microbicide has been the most elusive goal in the epidemic.








