Commission provides 'sound scientific evidence' of link between condoms and HIV prevention The Commission has published details of several research projects which scientifically prove that condoms, if used properly, are a safe and reliable way of preventing the spread of the AIDs virus. The publication of the project results help to disprove recent claims made by C... The Commission has published details of several research projects which scientifically prove that condoms, if used properly, are a safe and reliable way of preventing the spread of the AIDs virus. The publication of the project results help to disprove recent claims made by Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo from the Vatican's pontifical council for the family, who asserted that the AIDs virus is capable of passing through the pores in latex condoms. Commenting on these claims and the validity of the projects' findings, Commissioner for Research Philippe Busquin said that the only reliable statements were those based on 'sound scientific evidence'. 'Statements not supported by sound scientific evidence are not plausible,' he added. Today, more than 40 million people are infected globally with the HIV virus. Every year five million more people are infected, while three million lose their lives to the disease. In response to this pandemic, the Commission has financed more than a dozen research projects across Europe, Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa over the last 15 years. The projects, which investigated the use of condoms as a preventive measure against sexually transmitted diseases, concluded that consistent use of latex condoms can effectively reduce the risk of transmission of HIV. Examples of such projects include 'AIDS: heterosexual transmission' and 'EC concerted action on the heterosexual transmission of HIV' which involved following 563 couples with one seropositive partner to assess the safety of condoms. Out of 123 couples using condoms during sexual intercourse, no infections occurred. Of the 122 partners not using condoms regularly, the study found that 12 people were infected. The study concluded that HIV transmission does not occur where condom use is systematic. The EU funded project 'HIV infection in female prostitutes' similarly linked the decrease in HIV infection with condom use. In addition, the project showed that using petroleum-based lubricants could diminish the efficiency of condoms. Another EU funded study compared methods for finding holes in condoms. By analysing the water, ion and air permeability of condoms, the project consortium was able to help standards agencies set quality control standards for the production of condoms. Countries Holy See/Vatican City
