Action is the last thing the article is offering.

Acknowledging that the world is now 20 years into the HIV/AIDS pandemic and still finding itself limited in regard to preventing the sexuakl transmission of the HIV virus, this report by the Advocacy Working Group of the Microbicide Initiative and the Global Campaign for Microbicides is most notable for its lack of initiative.

I have little doubt that the message, at least from this source, will be little different a decade from now.

It's time for some lateral thinking: the thought that nature might have its own microbicide to beat HIV - in the shape of the simple lemon or lime.

For those of your readers who are unaware that this is now not simply an idea by itself, but one that's now progressed to clinical trials in Thailand, we invite them to visit our website at www.aids.net.au for the full story.

If indeed it should be proved that one of the answers to beating HIV infection does indeed grow on trees, one would understand the lack of interest by those who are more attracted by the huge fortunes awaiting a pharmaceutical giant's alternative.

We ourselves are an Australian AIDS charity, showcasing a number of HIV initiative projects...including The Australian Milk Biscuit project as well as the Lemons and AIDS project.


Brian Haill

President, The Australian AIDS Fund Inc., 1/10, Chatterley Court, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, AUSTRALIA

Email: bhaill@bigpond.net.au

Ph: 61 3 9 770 9210

Website: http://www.aids.net.au