Microbicides 2004 Microbicides 200428-31 March 2004, Hilton London MetropoleThe conference42 million men, women and children worldwide were living with HIV by the end of December 2002 (source: UNAIDS), including five million newly-infected during that year alone. Another 45 million people will become infected between 2002 and 2010, unless the current transmission rates can be vastly reduced. Of the 42 million, 29.4 million live in sub-Saharan Africa and 58% of them are women. Not only are women more susceptible to HIV infection, many are powerless to insist on the use of condoms or other methods of protecting themselves. In this context, and with the knowledge that an effective HIV vaccine is unlikely to be available for several years, the need for an effective topical microbicide grows ever more urgent. 2004 should prove to be a landmark year in the field of microbicide development as the first Phase III trials of novel products are due to start – the next step along the road to making a microbicide available to the millions worldwide in desperate need of protection.The aims of the Microbicides 2004 conference are to:Report novel or innovative work in the microbicides fieldProvide updates on recent microbicides research, divided into three tracks: basic science, clinical science, and behavioural science (including public health and the microbicide marketplace)Provide a forum for the discussion of new developments in microbicide research including ethical, clinical, behavioural and methodological issuesPresent opportunities for knowledge-sharing between microbicide researchers, public-health workers and advocacy organisations.There will be an opening ceremony on the evening of Sunday 28 March at which politicians, policy makers and the international media are expected. The conference will run for a full three days, each of which will contain:Scientific overviews and presentations with plenary sessions, invited lecturers and presentations of original researchWorkshops to review issues unique to microbicides such as trial design and outcome measures, and ethical issues in the clinical trials of microbicidesPoster sessions. Focus on LondonFollowing the successful Microbicides conferences in Washington in 2000 and Antwerp in 2002, March 2004 sees the focus move to London.The venue is the Hilton Metropole Hotel, two minutes by taxi from Paddington station and the Heathrow Express, with a journey time from the airport of 15 minutes. The hotel is in walking distance of Hyde Park and London’s main shopping streets, and close to Imperial College. Accommodation will be available at the venue and other hotels in the vicinity.London in March offers a variety of diversions for out-of-conference relaxation, including sight-seeing and shopping; the arts and the theatre; and pubs, clubs and restaurants to suit every taste. Conference staff will be on hand to help delegates plan their spare time.To book your place or find out more information, e-mail info@microbicides2004.org.uk or telephone the Event Office on +44 (0) 20 7720 4411
Oral: invited speaker Oral: Track A Oral: Track B Oral: Track C Poster: Track A Poster: Track B Poster: Track C Abstract only Authors

02653 ADVOCATING FOR MICROBICIDES IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH: APPROACHES AND METHODS

Sleap, Bridget*
Cavanagh, D**; Muganwa, M***; Boonpakadee,N****
*International Family Health, **Gender AIDS Forum; ***Society For Women and AIDS In Africa Uganda , ****Women’s Health Advocacy Foundation

As the number of clinical trial sites in the global south increases, the need for advocacy to create awareness about microbicides is becoming ever more important. Advocacy is needed not only to build political support and mobilise resources but also to increase knowledge, support and demand amongst community members and those with influence over policymakers.

International Family Health is working in partnership with the Global Campaign for Microbicides and with a range of other collaborating partners on a microbicides advocacy project aimed at raising awareness of microbicides. The project is funded by the European Union, the Department for International Development and the International Partnership for Microbicides.

This paper compares microbicide advocacy efforts of non-governmental organisations working with International Family Health in different settings in the global south, including South Africa, Thailand and Uganda. Key lessons learnt include the need for a multi-sectoral approach; the need to bridge the gap between civil society and the research community; and, the need to engage different constituencies, including women living with HIV and men, in advocacy efforts. The paper compares the different issues faced in each setting and examines advocacy objectives and strategies, including audiences targeted, messages chosen and materials developed.

Bridget Sleap
International Family Health, First Floor Cityside House, 40 Adler Street, London E1 1EE, UK
(Telephone) + 44 (0) 20 7247 9944 ext 236 (Fax) + 44 (0) 20 7247 9224 (E-mail) bsleap@ifh.org.uk