ONLY 10% of countries have HIV prevention programmes that are well matched to their national needs, leaving millions at risk of contracting the incurable virus, Aids scientists said yesterday.

THE world’s largest Aids conference has been told that microbicides to help women protect themselves from HIV might be available in several years — but the world is woefully unprepared to ensure widespread access to such treatments.

The big buzz at the world’s largest Aids conference is that microbicides to help women protect themselves from HIV might be available in several years. Yet Aids experts warned yesterday the world is woefully unprepared to ensure widespread access to such treatments.

At least 22 people have suffered serious side effects, including liver failure, from taking an AIDS drug intended to prevent HIV infection after accidental exposure to the virus.