Study of anti-AIDS vaginal ring begins in Africa

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WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. researchers are beginning to study several thousand women in Africa to see if inserting a vaginal ring coated with an anti-AIDS drug can protect them from HIV infection.

Giving women a tool to protect themselves when their partners won't use a condom is crucial for battling the epidemic. Half of the 34.2 million people with HIV worldwide are female.

Previous research found an anti-AIDS vaginal gel could protect women but using it every time they had sex was a hurdle. The vaginal ring, in contrast, would have to be inserted just once a month for continuous protection. Unlike contraceptive rings sold in the U.S., it contains no birth control.

The study, announced Tuesday at the International AIDS Conference, will be conducted in Malawi, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.