AFRO-NETS> Microbicides: What? Why? How? When?

[Cecilia Snyder <csnyder@ccmc.org>]

Microbicides: What? Why? How? When?
-----------------------------------

A briefing during the United Nations General Assembly Special Session 
on HIV/AIDS

Date: June 26, 2001
Time: 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Conference Room 4 in the United Nations General Assembly

The devastating impact of AIDS on families and societies compels ur-
gent international attention to developing new treatments and preven-
tion technologies. More than two decades into the epidemic, preven-
tion technologies remain limited to male and female condoms, and many 
people are unable to initiate or sustain consistent condom use. 
Women, especially, can face enormous challenges in negotiating effec-
tive prevention measures with their partners.

Over the past ten years, researchers and advocates have been working 
to develop microbicides -- topical gels and ointments to prevent 
infection from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Several 
compounds are now poised to enter large-scale clinical trials. As 
this promising research gains momentum, it is critical that the 
global AIDS community develops sound policies and programs to ensure 
that these products will be available and accessible worldwide.

This briefing is designed to familiarize United Nations delegations, 
civil society, and the press with the critical role microbicides 
could play in preventing HIV infection, the status of microbicide re-
search, and the policy leadership needed to accelerate microbicide 
development and access. Confirmed presenters at the briefing include:

* The Rt. Honourable Clare Short Secretary of State for International 
  Development United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

* Dr. Peter Piot
  Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on 
  HIV/AIDS

* Dr. Stefano Vella
  President, The International AIDS Society

* Dr. Purnima Mane
  Vice President, The Population Council

* Dr. Lincoln Chen
  Executive Vice President, The Rockefeller Foundation


This briefing is co-sponsored by the Population Council, The Rocke-
feller Foundation, the UK Department for International Development, 
the UK Mission to the UN, and UNAIDS.

Contact:
Tim Thomas
Communications Consultant
Tel: +1-212-873-2936
mailto:tntnyc@earthlink.net

or
George Soule
The Rockefeller Foundation
Tel:+1-212-852-8456
mailto:gsoule@rockfound.org

--
Send mail for the `AFRO-NETS' conference to `<afro-nets@usa.healthnet.org>'.
Mail administrative requests to `<majordomo@usa.healthnet.org>'.
For additional assistance, send mail to:  `<owner-afro-nets@usa.healthnet.org>'.