International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

A HIV trial vaccine developed by US and Thai scientists must be readily accessible if it is to cut down cases significantly, according to health charity Avert.

Julie Cassard, Avert's information and campaigns officer, said the results from the trial were very promising, adding that if it was to be manufactured and made available, it could help to cut down infections.

She commented that countries in the developing world must have easy access to the vaccine, which is often a problem where medication is concerned.

Ms Cassard stated: "The question of accessibility would have to be looked at and pharmaceutical companies would have to make it cheap and available.

"The countries that are most affected in the world are any countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, [and in] the Caribbean."

According to statistics published by the National Aids Trust, 31 per cent of people with HIV are undiagnosed.