A leading Senegalese researcher expects a quick development of anti-AIDS microbicides which will become an effective way to prevent the disease.

Professor Papa Salif Sow told reporters on Monday that the microbicides are not yet well developed as a means of prevention, but have become a fundamental element in research work.

Once putting into use in the near future, they will provide women a tool to control HIV/AIDS and protect themselves, said the professor, who is also the president of the scientific committee of a just-ended international conference on AIDS.

The existing medications for the prevention of infections are intended for men and the effectiveness often depends on whether or not they are willing to use them, while the microbicides in the making will be in the form of ovule to be used by women, according to the professor.

Sampled of the microbicides already made their first appearance during the 15th international conference on AIDS and sexually transmitted infections which opened in Dakar on Wednesday and concluded on Sunday.

Professor Sow said trials have shown "extremely satisfactory results" in preventing HIV/AIDS.

(Xinhua News Agency December 9, 2008)