Statement From USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah in Response to Today's Historic Progress in Preventing HIV Infection in Women
WASHINGTON, July 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- USAID
Administrator Rajiv Shah released the following statement on
today's historic CAPRISA 004 trial results:
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091022/USAIDLOGO) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091022/USAIDLOGO)
USAID is proud to be the major funder of the first-ever proof of
concept that a microbicide can effectively and safely reduce the
transmission of HIV from men to vulnerable women. An achievement of
this magnitude could not have been possible without collaboration
among governments, scientists, communities, and individual women at
risk of HIV.
I congratulate the Principal Investigators and study staff at
CAPRISA, the partners in South Africa, the CONRAD Program and
Family Health International, and, most importantly, the 889
courageous women in Durban, South Africa who volunteered for this
clinical trial.
CAPRISA 004 provides solid evidence that the use of an
antiretroviral-based microbicide gel (1% Tenofovir) can
significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection in women. These
results are an important first step toward establishing the
effectiveness of using antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV
infection. After these results are confirmed in an ongoing and
similar study supported by the National Institutes of Health in the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as other
studies, we will work with partners at the global and country
levels to integrate this product into programs. As a leader in
implementation science, USAID will collaborate with PEPFAR,
multi-lateral agencies, and partner countries to ensure the full
benefits of this advance reach vulnerable women and girls across
the world, particularly those in low-resource settings.
I am proud USAID is at the forefront of scientific innovation.
CAPRISA 004 is a model for future research studies in which
clinical trials will be led by in-country investigators backed up
by the scientific and operational expertise of their U.S.
colleagues. This approach builds the research capacity of the
developing world, contributes to sustainable health systems, and
exemplifies how President Obama's Global Health Initiative intends
to leverage technology and innovation to improve health around the
world.
Please visit http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/aids/TechAreas/research/microbfact
sheet.html for more information.
For more information about USAID's programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov/. USAID on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/USAID.News) USAID on Twitter (http://twitter.com/usaid_info) USAID on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/usaidvideo) USAID on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=118430)
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International
Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance
worldwide for nearly 50 years.
Public Information: 202-712-4810
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091022/USAIDLOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091022/USAIDLOGO
Source: U.S. Agency for International Development
CONTACT: Nicole Schiegg-Vienna of USAID, nschiegg@usaid.gov, Press
Office: +1-202-712-4320
Web Site: http://www.usaid.gov/
Posted: July 2010
