World News

Compiled by Martin Flynn

Stick to condom advice, say experts

Using a condom is still the safest protection against HIV and Aids, UNAIDS said last month after Swiss researchers claimed patients on antiretroviral drugs do not transmit the virus.

UNAIDS and WHO said in a joint statement that they, “strongly recommend a comprehensive package of HIV prevention approaches, including correct and consistent use of condoms.”

The move comes after the Swiss Federal Aids Commission reported that couples where one partner is HIV positive do not need to use condoms to prevent transmitting the virus, as long as antiretroviral therapy is followed regularly and has suppressed the virus in the blood for at least six months.

Roger Peabody, of the UK leading HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust, said that many key issues are not covered in the Swiss advice.
“The real thing missing (from the Swiss study) is about anal sex and getting a new sexually transmitted infection,” Peabody said.

UNAIDS and the WHO stressed the importance of effective and proven HIV prevention methods for all people irrespective of their HIV status.

Effective prevention methods include, but are not limited to, delaying sexual debut, mutual fidelity, reduction in the number of sexual partners, avoidance of penetration, safer sex including correct and consistent male and female condom use as well as early treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

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