Trials have shown that rates of HIV infection are reduced if people not infected with HIV take anti-retrovirals - known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). But adherence to a daily dose is a problem.
The more scientists understand about what drives HIV transmission, the more they can start to fight the virus.
Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters
Salim Abdool Karim, Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)
Three new studies conducted in South Africa provide insights into the engine that drives HIV transmission in the country.
The WHO has recommended pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, as an additional HIV prevention choice for people with a high risk of being infected. Truvada has been licensed in South Africa.
Epa/Maurizio Gambarini
Young women in southern Africa are most at risk of becoming infected with HIV. If they take a pre-exposure prophylaxis like Truvada it could change their lives.
Professor of medicine and deputy director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town