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

02149 RESEARCH COMMUNITY AND THEIR NEEDS. HOW CAN WE HELP?

Ntshele Smangaliso*
Mgoduso N*, Ramjee G*
Medical Research Council, HIV Prevention Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
HPTN GRANT NO: 1 UO1 A148008

Background: HIV prevention interventions such as microbicides or vaccines to reduce HIV transmission may take several years before being marketed among populations who participated in their testing. Current perception among research communities is that researchers enter and leave the community without making significant contribution to their welfare.
Objectives: 1. to assess the needs of the rural community of Hlabisa and to address those needs that were relevant to the research being undertaken.

Results: The needs identified were basic HIV/AIDS education and training within the community, training in home based care and social needs such as water, unemployment and alleviation of poverty. The researchers could only address issues related to HIV.

Addressing needs: We undertook to provide a certified HIV/AIDS education and home based care course to 50 participants from each of the 4 tribal wards in Hlabisa with the understanding with the community that each of the 50 individuals will undertake to train additional 50 and so on so forth.

The Hlabisa community working group approached the traditional leaders to seek approval to conduct training. Each leader was requested to select 50 individuals. A training programme was developed ensuring that it was not in conflict with other programmes. The community was consulted on appropriate use of language. The training manual was simple and user friendly with pictorial and graphic illustrations.

Training out come: Most trainees were women ranging in age from 17-42 years. Most lacked basic knowledge on HIV/STD. Majority believed in myths and misconceptions about HIV. Traditional healers were trusted for health care then primary health care clinics. Each trainee was able to comprehend the education provided and was confident of training other participants. A graduation ceremony will be held soon in the community to acknowledge their participation and their role in the community as educators.

Conclusion: Providing education and training to the community should be included in preparative studies for HIV prevention intervention. Community empowered with basic HIV prevention and care is a legacy the researchers can leave behind once the trial is over.

Mr. Smangaliso Ntshele
P O Box 70380, Overport, 4067, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa
(Telephone) +27-31-2034700 (Fax) +27-31-2034702 (E-mail) sntshele@mrc.ac.za