Two new studies done in three African countries have shown for the first time that AIDS drugs taken daily can cut by more than half a person’s chance of becoming infected with HIV through heterosexual intercourse.

The results, announced early Wednesday, provide more evidence that the drugs responsible for saving the lives of millions of HIV-infected people over the last 15 years may also be the most useful tool for preventing new infections.

In the last 12 months, other research has shown that antiretroviral drugs in either pills or vaginal gels can help prevent infection in specific groups — women and male homosexuals.

Read the entire article from The Washington Post here.