A HAND GEL that is proven to kill the HIV virus could have life-saving benefits to health workers and sufferers in Southern Africa, according to its maker DermaSalve.
The North-East company has carried out tests on its SafeCleanse gel and found that it is effective against the HIV strain within 30 seconds of contact.
DermaSalve has signed a multi-million pound deal with New Horizons to distribute the gel across Africa.
Founder Dr Mark Randle said: "It establishes a whole new dimension for the product in the context of HIV.
"In Africa, where a significant percentage of the population are infected with HIV, the situation is more acute with healthcare workers being exposed to infected blood on their hands on a daily basis.
"The health risk is made significantly worse if skin on their hands has cracks or sores leading to direct blood contact."
New Horizons managing director Steven Reeve said: "Being able to use SafeCleanse frequently to kill bugs without damaging skin will be key to gaining the support and buy-in to regular usage by healthcare workers exposed to a very high percentage of HIV-infected patients.
"We see potential life-saving benefits by reducing the risk of passing on the HIV virus and of the spread of dysentery, particularly amongst children."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article