Pills Prevent H.I.V. Infection in 2 New Studies

Two new studies released on Wednesday add to the growing body of evidence that taking a daily pill containing one or two AIDS drugs can keep an uninfected person from catching the fatal human immunodeficiency virus.

As it becomes ever clearer that modern antiretroviral drugs can not only treat the disease but prevent it, pressure is likely to increase on donors to find more money to supply them in places like Africa and on pharmaceutical manufacturers to either sell them cheaply or release their patents to companies that can.

"This is an extremely exciting day for H.I.V. prevention," said Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of AIDS prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. "It's clear we're not going to find a magic pill that prevents it, but this is adding more to the tool kit."

By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
Published: July 14, 2011 (New York Times).

Remote Area Medical is supported by the CDC in Atlanta to conduct HIV prevention and support in the Rupununi district of Southern Guyana. As part of the activities, the Regional AIDS Action Commitee met again this month in Lethem with representation from seven organizations. There is much work remaining to extend critical prevention services to the dozens of remote, vulnerable communities in the district.