New Microbicidal Gel to Help Women Prevent HIV/AIDS

A new microbicidal vaginal gel was found to reduce the rate of HIV/AIDS contraction in nearly half the women in a study conducted by South African scientists. The study, spanning three years, helped prevent HIV/AIDS in 50% of the women after one year, and 39% of the women after two and a half years. The gel is easy to apply: once, 12 hours before sex, and once, 12 hours after sex. This gel provides great hope and promise for women all over the world--who are more likely to contract HIV/AIDS than their male partners--because it provides them their own source of protection, as their partners are often unwilling to use condoms. The gel and applicator are both cheap, and will hopefully be mass produced and distributed once its efficiency is improved.

Read the article below and look for more news on when the WHO will start using it!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10691353

Haitian Women Create Their Own Security Measures to Protect Themselves in Tent Cities

Haitian women have been experiencing increased violence (especially in the form of rape) since January's horrific earthquake. Six months later, the government and aiding countries have yet to establish a reliable security system to protect the displaced and desperate people in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. Watch the following clip aired on Democracynow! to learn about how Haitian women have created their own system of protection, and learn about why six months later, Haitians are still lacking access to clean water, adequate food supplies, and permanent housing.



http://www.democracynow.org/2010/7/14/in_the_shadow_of_ruins_haitians

(start at minute 38 if specifically interested in learning about the women's security efforts)