Clinical trials to test the effectiveness and safety of virginal rings are being carried out currently in different countries around the globe. Some of the countries that have done these trials include Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

These virginal rings contain anti-retroviral drugs, which are inserted into the vagina in a bid to prevent HIV infection in women. The prostitutes around the world, especially in Uganda and Africa at large have already express happiness over the new discovery in the love making world. Ms Irene, one of the prostitutes on the streets of Kampala says that if the virginal ring trials become successful, it will be good news to prostitutes around the world who desire to get protection against infections.

These HIV trials worldwide are considered as one of the studies meant to Prevent HIV Infections. The scientists want to know whether this ring can safely prevent HIV infections when continuously put in the vagina before sex.

The trials are being carried out by doctors from Washington DC (US) and other countries. Some of the doctors running these trials are Carl W. Dieffenbach, Zeda F. Rosenberg. Saidi Kapiga, Sharon Hillier, Jarred Baeten, Linda Gail-Bekker, Annalene Nel, Philippa Musoke and Carol Onyango.

The doctors say that when the ring is inserted into the vigina it releases protective medication and it has no side effects like
reproductive toxicity.

The trials are funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases (NIAID), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute on Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Mental Health, the International Partnership of Microbicides. Microbicides are antimicrobial products applied to the vagina to prevent HIV transmission during sexual intercourse.

Walakira Nyanzi