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

02668 THE PROCESS OF FORMING A COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP: EXPERIENCES FROM A FEASIBILITY STUDY IN SOWETO

Kubeka, Vinen
Moyes J, Stadler J, Nkala B, Qwana E, Fakude G, Delany S, Rees H
Microbicide Development Programme, Reproductive Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand

Introduction: Community involvement is critical to the success of community-based research projects, and increased community participation is likely to result in improved understanding and informed consent among participants. A specific attention was focused on the process of increasing community participation in a feasibility study in Soweto prior to the introduction of a microbicide trial in 2004.

Key activities: The process involved the description of the community, the identification of key organizations and structures within that community and the formation of a community advisory group (CAG) which could meet regularly to represent and give and receive feedback from the community on the research processes. In addition, workshops were conducted with a range of community members to provide information about the study, as well as to gain information about the community response to AIDS. Currently the focus is on monitoring community responses to the project.

Outcomes: A CAG of 16 people representing 16 organizations in Soweto meets on a monthly basis to discuss and provide input on the research activities related to the microbicide feasibility study. A total of 10 meetings and 2 1-day workshops have been held. A standard operating procedure was agreed and has since been amended based on input from CAG members. The CAG has provided significant insights into the community attitudes to HIV, sexual practices, the role of men in microbicide research and referral of research participants for HIV care.

Conclusion: The establishment of an identifiable community representative group has been invaluable in the process of the Microbicides feasibility study because it has facilitated interaction with the community on key issues affecting recruitment and retention.

Vinen Kubeka
RHRU, Dept O&G, CH Baragwanath Hospital, P O Bertsham 2013, South Africa
(Telephone) +27-11-9899200 (Fax) +27-11-9331227 (E-mail) v.kubeka@rhrujhb.co.za