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

02497 MICROBICIDES AWARENESS AMONG BIOMEDICAL STAFF AT THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL IN LUSAKA,ZAMBIA

Kennedy Kaonga*
Bhat Ganapati**
*Pathology & Microbiology Dept,University Teaching Hospital(UTH), ** Dept of Paediatrics and Child Health,UTH & School of Medicine,Lusaka Zambia

Background: Biomedical workers are key persons in the promotion and use of microbicides. There is an urgent need to assess their knowledge about microbicides in a high HIV prevalence country like Zambia. Objective:To assess the current level of microbicides awareness among the biomedical staff at the University Teaching Hospital(UTH)Lusaka,Zambia. Method: A survey was conducted using the structured questionnaire from June -August 2003. Expected definition and types of Vaginal microbicides were pre-defined by the researchers. The points from 1 to 5 were awarded based on satisfactory responses. Points of 5 represented the optimum desired response. Results: Forty-nine staff members returned the questionnaires. There were 12(24%) women and 37 (76%) men with age ranging from 25 to 42 yrs. Respondent women were younger (mean age 30.2 yrs) as compared to men (mean 35.2 yrs). Eight(16%) were graduate degree holders and 15(31%) attained first degree and 26(53%) College Diploma. All the graduate degree holders had a satisfactory score of 4 points each. Twelve (80%) of the first degree holders scored 2 points each . Ten (38%) of College Diploma holders got one point each. Nineteen (39 %) of the respondents (3 first degree and 16 College Diploma holders) perceived microbicides to be spermicides used by women for contraception and were not given any point.Conclusion:Knowledge gaps about microbicides exist among majority of biomedical staff. There is a positive correlation between microbicides awareness and the level of education. Sensitisation programmes on microbicides must be put in place.

Biomedical Technologist, Kennedy Kaonga
Pathology and Microbiology Department,UniversityTeaching Hospital,P/BagRW1X,Lusaka,Zambia
(Telephone) 260-1-253825 (Fax) 260-1-253825 (E-mail) kenkaonga@yahoo.com