WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dr. Ariel Pablos-Méndez, Assistant Administrator for Global Health, issued the following statement on latest news regarding NIAID-funded VOICE trial.

"The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has closed the Tenofovir gel portion of VOICE (MTN-003) trial at the direction of the Data Safety Monitoring Board.

Unlike an earlier trial of Tenofovir gel, the VOICE trial found that tenofovir gel did not prevent HIV infection in the women who participated in the study. USAID appreciates the hard work of the VOICE trial investigators as well as the courageous volunteers who participated in the study.

The Agency remains fully committed to the completion of the recently started FACTS 001 trial. This study of 1% Tenofovir gel is a confirmatory follow-up trial to CAPRISA 004 and it is currently underway in South Africa in partnership with South Africa's Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The FACTS 001 trial is a prime example of successful country ownership and South Africa's prioritization of donor supported activities within the context of their own goals and aspirations for global health.

USAID is committed to providing new HIV prevention options to vulnerable women and girls across the world, particularly those in low-resource settings. Women bear the brunt of the HIV epidemic, making it absolutely essential that attention be placed on developing effective prevention methods that are both women-initiated and controlled. We believe confirming tenofovir gel's effectiveness and obtaining regulatory approval is a fundamental and essential step in that direction, and we look forward to supporting South Africa's leadership in this endeavor."

For more information about USAID's work to address HIV/AIDS, please visit our website.