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

02150 A PRELIMINARY COMPARATIVE STUDY ON CONDOM SOCIAL MARKETING VERSUS THE PROSPECT OF INTRODUCING MICROBICIDES AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR HIV PREVENTION IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIAPREVENTION

DR UKAUWA CHARLES
DR AKINOLA T* LILIAN E*

ISSUE: Despite the intensive Condom Social Marketing [CSM]as a method of HIV/AIDS prevention in Katsina State, northwestern Nigeria, there has been associated poor compliance rate. This preliminary study is therefore to ascertain the reasons,possible options and the prospects of introducing microbicides as a more effective option in the near future.THE PROJECT: Public Enlightenment Projects[PEP NIGERIA], a national non-governmental organization based in Katsina, northern Nigeria. Katsina State is a core islamic state and one of the states that are currently implementing the Sharia as the legal code of conduct. The state like other northwestern states in Nigeria is made up of predominantly illiterate, highly religious and culturally [traditionally] motivated individuals. Early marriage is not only predominant but well accepted. The organization conducted a preliminary comparative study to CSWs, students, traders, single and married women and some men by random selection method. The use of simple standardized questionnaires was employed and a total number of three hundred [300] respondents sent in their responses.Questions asked ranged from: Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, its modes of transmission & prevention, knowlwedge of barrier prevention methods & their limitations, need forpossible options to available barrier prevention methods & the expected qualities of such e.g. microbicides RESULTS: A total of three hundred responses were received from respondents with ages ranging 15 -45 years and an average age of 24 years. About 50% of the respondents were female CSWs, 28% married women while the rest were men. 83% of the respondents had basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS as a disease while 67% had knowledge about its treatment/ARVs. 74% identified at leaset one mode of transmission while 26% identified four or more modes . 23% were aware of their HIV status while 35% were aware of their partner’s HIV status. 50% of the sexaully active respondents used condom as a barrier method to prevent HIV/AIDS while only 25% used it always. Reasons offered for the inconsistency include: fear of perforation, ignorance of its effectiveness and reduced sexual pleasure. 71% prefer an alternate HIV preventive methods other than the condom which the female can only control. Qualities of such include effectiveness, reliability, prevention against other STIs, availability, and very low cost. CONCLUSION: Respondent demonstrated above average knowlwege of HIV/AIDS, its prevention, clinical features and transmission methods. The current most availaible barrier preventive method in Katsina State as in most other northen States in Nigeria has an identified low conpliance [25%] rate. From this study, there is a need for an alternate which will be more reliable, effective and acceptable. PEP is currently conducting an advanced study to educate sexually active women and health service providers in the state about microbicides as an alternate barrier preventive method against HIV/AIDS, STIs and unwanted pregnancy and then assess the level of acceptability, preferred form of the product [gel, cream, pessaries e.t.c.], cost, undesirable side effects and products reliability.

DR CHARLES UKAUWA
P.O.BOX 1250 KATSINA,CODE:820001 KATSINA STATE NIGERIA
(Telephone) 23408035892100 (Fax) NIL (E-mail) pepkt@yahoo.com, pepnigeria@yahoo.com