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

02380 MICROBICIDES AN ANOTHER APPROACH TO KEEP STI/HIV INTERVENTION VIABLE

Bangkim, Chingsubam Bangkim

ISSUE: Manipur is famous for its high HIV prevalence rate and a major portion of it is also contributed by MSMs. The recent sentinel surveillance on 250 MSMs shows 30% are HIV positives. Despite of such a high rate the HIV prevention programmes amongst MSM are negligible.Targeting MSM and their need identification is the priority. Harassed and sexually abused by their family members and community, they are driven underground. Hence, it becomes difficult not only to reach them but also in designing & development intervention programs to address various issues such as discrimination, sexual roles & internalized homophobia etc.

APPROACH:
Field visits, FGD and interaction; workshops and sensitisation programmes; dissemination of legal ethical issues; health education; interviews -321 MSMs

KEYPOINTS:
Alienated by the family members
Physically abused by security personnel & youths
More than 83% has multiple sexual partners
34% has history of STI infection
Condom use very rare 12%, lack of knowledge, freely accessible and good quality
65% preferred water based lubricant condom
Male condom use solely depended on the partner
Sexual partners include middle aged married men, security personnel and ex-IDUs
The existing strict Indian law 377 in the country hamper the intervention programs.
After explaining about microbicides more than 76% of the participants would like to undergo Microbicides trial.

IMPLICATION: The general population do not realise the risk involved and thus neglect their involvement. Stakeholders including NGO and GO sectos are not aware about the issues pertained around MSMs. There should be more sensitization programme through various Medias including print and electronic. Microbicides if proved effective and safe then the entire intervention prevention programmes would be indeed efective thus preventing many from STI/HIV. Microbicides awareness programs should be initiated to other parts by organizing workshops, seminars among the GOs, NGOs, CBOs & community at large.

Bangkim Chingsubam
SASO - Social Awareness Service Organisation, Khwai Lalambung Maknong RIMS Road (s), Imphal - 795001
(Telephone) 91-385-2310011/2411408 (Fax) 91-385-2411409 (E-mail) bankimimph@rediffmail.com/sasoimph@sancharnet.in