Mozambique on Monday launched the first phase of an initiative that will conduct microbicide research at the Manhica Health Research Center, according to state media, the South African Press Association reports (South African Press Association, 12/18). Microbicides include a range of products -- such as gels, films and sponges -- that could help prevent the sexual transmission of HIV and other infections (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 12/4).

According to the South African Press Association, Mozambique will establish clinical testing centers for microbicide research next year and conduct studies as part of the initiative. Sibone Mucumbi, a physician involved in the initiative, said that 500 women from the Manhica district and Maputo in Mozambique will be recruited for a 52-week study at MHRC. The initiative -- introduced by the Community Development Foundation in partnership with Eduardo Mondlane University, Manhica Health Research Center and the Microbicides Development Programme -- aims to increase the country's efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, the South African Press Association reports.

Graca Machel, president of the Foundation for Community Development, said she hopes the initiative will succeed much like a previous project that focused on malaria research did. MHRC "has shown to the world that Mozambicans have a capacity to contribute in the fight against health problems," Machel said, adding, "The recent success in researching for vaccines to fight malaria in children is a good example" (South African Press Association, 12/18).