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

02168 MICROBICIDES THE ULTIMATE PREFERENCE OF ALL THE WOMEN PREVENTION OPTIONS

WAIKHOM, RONNY
L, Lilabanta et al

ISSUE:
In the beginning the transmission of HIV in Manipur (a north-eastern state of India) were confined amongst the IDUs (injecting drug users) but now we are witnessing a paradigm shift in the transmission. It has started to take its root to the female spouses and further to their children. STIs have also become one major health problem amongst general women attending ante natal clinics. Unwanted pregnancies are yet another common unwanted happening. And use of prevention options such as male condoms is solely depended on the male partners.

DESCRIPTION:
As a working group member of a national campaign for initiating women prevention options such as female condoms and microbicides in India, the CARE Foundation in collaboration with 14 NGOs have conducted a preliminary survey for obtaining opinion on microbicides and other female initiated methods. Altogether 337 were involved in the said survey. 273 were women and 64 were men. The respondents included MSMs; CSWs; young married women; middle-aged housewives; HIV/AIDS service providers (male & female), school & college going girls and male IDUs.

LESSONS LEARNED:
95% of them never heard of microbicides.
30% have heard of female condoms but only 4% have actually seen it.
Use of male condoms is solely depended on the male partner.
All of them were explained regarding the microbicides, female condoms and other barrier methods.
All of them feared its (microbicides) side effects and 60% had doubts over its efficacy.
All of them would opt for microbicides, if prove safe and efficacious.
It would empower women and the choice over using of prevention options would be on their discretion.
Stigma attached to male or female condoms will no longer be there in case of microbicides and hence could procure over the counter.
Its conspicuous nature, lubricating factor and easy to apply would facilitate the sexual activity and will also enhance the pleasure.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mass campaign such as the present “Global Campaign for Microbicides” is a must.
People must be aware of its usage and importance and must also know its pros and cons.
Feasibility and acceptability or Phase III trials must be conducted equitably at the regional levels.
Proper law must be enacted for protecting the rights for those undergoing trials.
Need for advocacy to those key players in making or changing the laws.
Adequate funds must be available for conducting such trials or for developing effective microbicides.
The prices (of microbicides) should be affordable by all, especially by those poor end-users from poor or developing countries where the impact of STI/HIV is worst.

Mr. RONNY WAIKHOM
CARE Foundation, Chassad Avenue, IMPHAL, MANIPUR 795001, INDIA
(Telephone) 91-385-2223865 (Fax)   (E-mail) care_all@sancharnet.in