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

02382 NEED OF THE HOUR – A WOMAN CONTROLLED PREVENTION TECHNIQUE

Archana, Oinam Archana
Bangkim

ISSUE: The Serious epidemic of AIDS related death has increased in Manipur. HIV sero-prevalence rate among IDUs in Manipur which is one of the highest in the world has reduced from 73% in 1992 to 59.79% at present. The epidemic is now shifting from IDUs to their spouses/partners/children and general community. According to the MACS epidemiological report July 2003, the sero-prevalence rate among antenatal mothers is 3.12 %, thereby indicating that the infection is in the general population and no longer restricted to any specific target group.

Women are at high risk of HIV infection. For effective HIV prevention among women, the only option available is male condom. This is the only ‘safe’ barrier protection that has its own limitations. Inspite of different woman empowerment programs, women in general still lack the power to discuss and negotiate safer sex with their husbands/ partners.

APPROACH: Group discussion, Focus group discussion, one to one interactions among infected and affected women, local youth’s female and Injecting drug users.

KEY POINTS:
Very less knowledge on sexual health issues
Out of 100 IDUs only 20% use condom, Baseline OXFAM/SASO
Rarely use due to non-availability of condom
IDUs used condoms while having sexual contact with the sex workers but not with their girl friends.
Women cannot negotiate for safer sex.
Female drug users are indulging in unprotected sex for their drug habits
Single women (widows) are being taken advantage thereby increasing their vulnerability to STIs and other blood borne diseases.

IMPLICATIONS:
Women need prevention method, which they can control, such as female condoms and microbicides. There is the immediate need for other alternative methods other than male condoms. The idea is that we should widen the range of ‘safer sex’ choices in order to complement the existing safer sex mechanism.

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