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

02118 GENESIS OF MICROBICIDES CAMPAIGN IN INDIA

Bhattacharya Radium
Seth R.
Indian Network of Ngos On HIV/AIDS

Background:According to WHO, women and men both have reproductive health concerns but the nature of the problems, their causes and consequences differ since gedner roles and societal attitudes differ. In India, after half a century of freedom, the status of women in the country continues to be unsatisfactory –in the field of health,education, employment, political participation and decision making. Inequity of women is extended to all spheres of life, needless to say even in the sexual life. The HIV epidemic is largely driven by gender inequalities. Many women do not have the social power necessary to insist on condom use and fidelity or to abandon partnerships that put them at risk. Women need and deserve access to prevention options that are within their personal control. HIV/AIDS epidemic, creates the imperative need to pursue vigorously every means possible to stregthen women’s immediate ability to protect themselves, through new women controlled technologies.

Genesis of the Campaign:Understanding the potential of microbicides as a tool bringing a new hope for prevention, after attending the Microbicides 2000, INN started to sensitize and and mobilize CBOs/NGOs and other stake holders broadening the campaign for microbicides in India. In the 5th National Convention of the Indian Network of NGOs on HIV/AIDS, for the first time in India the Microbicides and Female Condom were introduced through technical papers. For the first time, prevention options for women were discussed in a national forum. Education and Training services by INN members have conducted over 75 workshops for social workers, doctors and counsellors. Handouts and fact sheets were published in local languages, thus creating an enabling environment for education and a community preparedness. In October 2002 and in September 2003, national meetings were held for community stake holders and national policy makers. The campaign continues through the ‘working groups’ at a national level. Effective media coverage has already been promoted.

Forces in our favour: *Microbicides are included in the UNGASS declaration as a global priority *Microbicides is a priority of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and research and trials are on-going.

What we need to do : To develop networks of programmes for providers and policy makers and stakeholders to deal with numerous health, regulatory, gender, social and cultural biases that can facilitate and accelerate the research and facilitate the availability of microbicides for Indian woman.

Dr.(Ms) Radium D. Bhattacharya
B 01 Siddhachakra Apartments, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad 380006, Gujarat -India
(Telephone) +91 79 6575282 (Fax) +91 79 6575962 (E-mail) gapad1@sancharnet.in