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

02408 BEHAVIOURAL CHALLENGES TO MICROBICIDE GEL ACCEPTANCE AND USE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Magadi, Monica
Madise, Nyovani
Division of Social Statistics - School of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, and The Microbicides Development Programme (MDP)

This overview paper discusses the behavioural and cultural challenges to microbicide gel acceptance and use in sub-Saharan Africa, a setting characterized by unique socio-economic circumstances and cultural norms relating to sexual behaviour and gender power relations. Given the relatively low status of women, men play a key role in reproductive health decision making and behaviour. Recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data in the region suggest that more men than women have multiple sexual partners, and condoms are rarely used within regular sexual partnerships. This paper draws on the experiences of six sites in sub-Saharan Africa participating in the feasibility study of the microbicides development programme (MDP), coordinated by the UK MRC/CTU. Critical issues for consideration include: microbicide gel acceptance, especially where gel use is inconsistent with practices aimed at enhancing sexual pleasure such as dry sex; the extent of male partner involvement without compromising the case for a woman-controlled product; and the relatively poor socio-economic circumstances, including low literacy levels among the populations. Preliminary social science research at the sites indicate significant male dominance in reproductive health decision making and high prevalence of intravaginal practices that are likely to affect microbicide gel acceptance and use. These challenges apply during the microbicide trial phases and beyond. Behavioural research in these populations plays a critical role in the understanding of these issues to better inform microbicide development for sub-Saharan Africa communities and similar settings.

Dr. Monica Magadi
Division on Social Statistics, School of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ
(Telephone) (0)23 80595832 (Fax) (0)23 80594638 (E-mail) mmagadi@socsci.soton.ac.uk