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

02390 SEX WORKER CONDOM USE PATTERNS BY PARTNER TYPE

Sharma, Anjali*
Bukusi, E*,**, Keli, F***, Cohen C****
*Dept of Ob-Gyn, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, **Center For Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya,***Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, ****Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco, Ca

We conducted key-informant-interviews with 40 female sex workers (FSW) living in Nairobi, Kenya to understand their continued risk for HIV acquisition in spite of periodic comprehensive training on correct condom use and negotiation for safer sex.

Two independent readers of the resultant transcripts identified four key themes relating to condom use practices and partner types. The FSW reported increased condom use with casual partners due to their increased awareness of HIV/AIDS. However, most felt unable or were unwilling to demand condom use from their regular clients because of 1) fear of angering them, 2) fear of losing them, 3) and consequently their financial support, and 4) desiring sexual intimacy.
The narrative data suggests that greater efforts should be made to help FSW negotiate for safer sex with their regular clients and to develop additional female-controlled and effective prevention technologies, such as microbicides with or without the female controlled barrier methods such as the diaphragm.

Dr. Anjali Sharma
PO Box 19676, Kenyatta National Hospital, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
(Telephone) 254-733-620011 (Fax) 254-2-2726626 (E-mail) ASharma@ratn.org