Announcing the 2012 Omololu Falobi Award for Excellence in HIV Prevention Research Community Advocacy

Five years ago on October 5 2006, we lost our brother and colleague Omololu Falobi. Those who knew Omololu professionally will remember him, among many other things - as a talented journalist on HIV, as an activist for social justice, as an advocate for prevention research and as a son of Africa in his zeal to ensure Africans were taking ownership of their own HIV care and prevention.

Omololu founded the Journalists Against AIDS in Nigeria (JAAIDS), was an instrumental pioneer member of the Nigerian Treatment Access Movement (TAM), and co-founded the New HIV Vaccine & Microbicide Advocacy Society (NHMAS). He was tragically killed in 2006 in Lagos, Nigeria.

In 2008, in honour of Omololu’s memory and commitment to the field, The Omololu Falobi Award for Excellence in HIV Prevention Research Community Advocacy was established by the African Microbicides Advocacy Group (AMAG) and partners. The Award is presented to an individual nominated by their peers at the biennial International Microbicides Conferences. Lori Heise (USA) and Aylur Srikrishnan (India) were the 2008 recipients and Charles Shagi (Tanzania) the recipient in 2010.

In continuation of this tradition and to mark the fifth anniversary of Omololu’s death, we proudly announce the call for nominations of The Omololu Falobi Award for Excellence in HIV Prevention Research Community Advocacy 2012 to be awarded to a community advocate in recognition of their contribution to the HIV prevention research field through community advocacy.

The 2012 Award Planning Committee includes representatives from the African AIDS Vaccine Program (AAVP), AMAG, AVAC: Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention, the Global Campaign for Microbicides (GCM), International Rectal Microbicides Advocates (IRMA), JAAIDS, NHVMAS and TAM, with acknowledgment from the Omololu Falobi Foundation.

Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of stakeholders in the prevention research field and the selected individual will then be recognized and awarded at the Closing Ceremony of the International Microbicides 2012 Conference in Sydney, Australia in April 2012. We are pleased to work with the Microbicides 2012 Conference Planning Committee to present the Award next year.
A call for nominations and information on the selection process will be circulated later this month.

On behalf of the planning committee:
AAVP, AMAG, AVAC, GCM, IRMA, JAAIDS, NHVMAS, TAM

For more information:
Website: http://www.avac.org/ht/d/sp/i/4345/pid/4345
Email: amag_info@yahoo.com


[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

My Summer with IRMA

By Aldona Martinka, IRMA Intern

Today is my last day at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, where I had the pleasure of interning this summer. I am one of the last summer interns remaining, and the empty intern “sweatshop” surrounds me. I had the opportunity to work with AFC and IRMA, as well as with Mapping Pathways and Project CRYSP for the summer at this desk, facing a window with blinds that are always closed. The closed blinds never bothered me, though, because whenever I was at my desk my eyes were fixed on my computer screen. I know that statement does little to separate me from the rest of my generation, but there is a good reason that I did not often look away from my work: I was fascinated.

I joke with my friends that I read about sex all day for work, but it’s true. In my work with HIV, and especially in my work with IRMA, I am constantly exposed to sex. My days are spent absorbing information about it: clinical studies showing the effectiveness of antiretroviral-based prevention methods, laws that criminalize and stigmatize high-risk groups, public health efforts in deeply-affected areas, or even sexual advice for HIV-positive people looking for love in modern America. Not only that, but for IRMA much of my reading was about the sexual act that is perhaps the most taboo, anal sex, because of the high risk of transmission and the sociocultural issues surrounding it. For a shy girl from a Catholic family this was a lot to take in. I quickly adjusted, though, and as my internship comes to a close I can discuss lubricant distribution in the rectum with a straight face and a confident smile. Though initially kind of shocking, I learned so much in these past several months, and what I learned has crystallized so much for me.

I learned that there are more HIV prevention tools even than there were 4 years ago when I took sex ed in high school. Rectal and vaginal microbicides, PrEP, and treatment as prevention represent real methods of preventing HIV that should be added to condoms as tools in the global prevention toolbox. Not only are they effective enough to warrant more exploration and consideration, but they provide protection in the wide variety of cases where condoms are a less desirable option, or not an option at all. With these prevention methods sex workers, wives in patriarchal societies, members of sero-discordant couples, and many other at-risk people can be protected that may not want to or be able to use condoms for a variety of reasons.

I learned just how inextricably HIV/AIDS is linked to my other passion: human rights. I learned about how government and cultural views toward sex workers, women, and LGBT people affects everything from the availability of condoms to the accessibility of treatment, and can create many difficulties in between. I also learned about the criminalization and stigmatization of HIV-positive individuals, something which surprised and horrified me, and how the continuation of these only obstructs public health efforts.

I learned so much, but I learned one last thing of personal significance to me. I was chattering excitedly at my father about the internship portion of my upcoming semester abroad in India, and how I hoped to work with an organization there that fights HIV. He asked if I wanted to look at other internships as well, to broaden my areas of knowledge in public health. While answering that question, I realized that everything I’ve learned in this internship, all of the related issues and exciting science, had led me to this seemingly unexceptional question. “No,” I said, “I want to continue to work with HIV.” Everything about it, the human right issues, the new advances in prevention and treatment, and my personal experiences with advocacy work, have captured my attention and drawn me to the fight against AIDS. I hope to continue in the field of HIV prevention and advocacy, and my time at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago with IRMA has provided me with invaluable experience. Thank you to all of the IRMA community for allowing me this opportunity. With a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, hopefully someday no one will have to go without a way to prevent HIV, for any reason.

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet Maheswar Satpathy - A Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate

"IRMA develops means and strategies for organizing advocates on this area of research and practice by pooling in people from all paths of life, and does offer a very sound platform for sharing views, opinions, and informing key stakeholders in the prevention-focused research and practice." - Maheswar Satpathy, Sydney, Australia

Maheswar Satpathy is originally from Bhubaneswar, Orissa in India. He now lives in Sydney, Australia. He is a trained clinical neuropsychologist, but his interests are broad, including HIV/AIDS prevention and health promotion. At present he is working towards his PhD in Health, Sexuality & Culture at the National Centre in HIV Social Research at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) on a prestigious AusAID's Australian Leadership Awards Scholarship. He is extremely involved in public health, devoting his time to national and international organizations across the globe.

Maheswar was introduced to IRMA by colleague and friend Jim Pickett. He was encouraged to advocate for more innovative bio-medical prevention strategies along with the psycho-social ones he has researched. He believes that rectal microbicides should be emphasized as an important method of prevention which can act as a catalyst in preventing diseases like HIV, and several other health risks like HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.

He is excited to act as an advocate for rectal microbicides and to teach the usage patterns, newer emerging technologies in developing but emerging countries like India, which has the 2nd highest population in the world. He plans to work on health planning programs for effective dissemination, contact key groups for outreach, and lobby for translational bio-medical research in the Indian research centers and universities.

A busy man, whatever free time Maheswar has is spent in reading more books of psychology and literature, advocating for human rights and health issues among the LGBTQI population, and networking among the Civil Society Organizations both in India and Australia.

Read about other friendly rectal microbicides advocates. Newly featured advocates include Daniel Nuñez, Amy Stapleford Jackson, Luis Fernando Galarza, Vanessa Marquez, and Mark Hubbard.

Want to join the best e-mail discussion list on new prevention technologies on the planet? Send a note to IRMA here - rectalmicro@gmail.com - and we will get you signed up.Joining the list makes you an automatic IRMA member too!

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet Daniel Julio Eduardo Nuñez - A Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate

"If we create a circle of people around you that at least know a word or two about rectal microbicides I believe the work is done, because everyone has his own circle, so the knowledge in one way or another will flow." - Daniel Julio Eduardo Nuñez, Lima, Peru

Daniel Nuñez is studying law. While working towards his law degree he began working at Epicentro with his local gay community. It is at Epicentro that Daniel met an IRMA member (Epicentro is the headquarters for IRMA-ALC, IRMA's South American sister) and, anxious to find out more about rectal microbicides, immediately sought more information. He was quickly inspired to spread the word about IRMA and its goals.

Daniel realizes that rectal microbicides are important "because we are humans and not robots, we don't necessarily act following a program and sometimes we do things that don't correspond to safe sexual behavior". Because of this he works to make many prevention options available to everyone.

He urges every IRMA advocate and anyone interested in microbicides or HIV prevention at all to discuss options and knowledge with family and friends. With each person able to talk openly and knowledgeably about AIDS and HIV prevention, Daniel hopes that the topic will become less taboo and more can be done in the fight against AIDS.

In his free time Daniel provides freelance tech support, but he enjoys it so it doesn't feel like work. He also enjoys watching TV programs from the United States such as A Game of Thrones, his current favorite show.

Read about other friendly rectal microbicides advocates. Newly featured advocates include Luis Fernando Galarza, Amy Stapleford Jackson, Maheswar Satpathy, Vanessa Marquez, and Mark Hubbard.

Want to join the best e-mail discussion list on new prevention technologies on the planet? Send a note to IRMA here - rectalmicro@gmail.com - and we will get you signed up.Joining the list makes you an automatic IRMA member too!

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet Amy Stapleford Jackson - A Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate

"IRMA has gathered together people who are doing great work in the fields of sexual health, scientific research, medicine, HIV prevention, and microbicide advocacy and by pooling these resources is making important strides advocating for safe, effective rectal microbicides." - Amy Stapleford Jackson, Chapel Hill, USA

Amy is a many-talented and busy advocate. Among several projects, she works with a scientist to develop novel formulations for user-friendly, safe sexual lubricants which could someday also deliver microbicides. She also serves as the Sexuality Education Coordinator at the Sinclair Institute.

Her current pet project is an informative venture: "the creation of a table of information about common lubricant ingredients…so that there's an easy resource from which folks can learn what scientists know and don't know about the ingredients in their lubes." She became interested in IRMA's work after she shared her lube findings with some rectal microbicide advocates, and was excited to be asked to join IRMA's Lubricant Safety Working Group and IRMA.

Amy feels IRMA's work is especially important because of the dialogue it encourages and nurtures between people of disparate fields with a common interest. "Microbicides are a natural extension of what people already do: use lubrication during sex," she says: "If a microbicide could be found which would be safe and non-toxic for the user and would also reduce transmission rates for HIV (and hopefully other STIs), people will have an amazing tool for reducing sexual risk while also increasing sexual health and pleasure."

In her advocacy work Amy hopes to spread her knowledge and enthusiasm with sexual health professionals and consumers, with the goal of making lubes safer, more pleasurable, and someday a vessel for microbicides.

Much of Amy's free time is spent invested in her projects, but when she isn't working Amy enjoys Sudoku, audio books, and savoring good food and wine.

Read about other friendly rectal microbicides advocates. Newly featured advocates include Daniel Nuñez, Luis Fernando Galarza, Maheswar Satpathy, Vanessa Marquez, and Mark Hubbard.

Want to join the best e-mail discussion list on new prevention technologies on the planet? Send a note to IRMA here - rectalmicro@gmail.com - and we will get you signed up.Joining the list makes you an automatic IRMA member too!

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet Vanessa Marquez - A Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate

"Thank the universe for organizations such as IRMA and individuals who are willing to inform and educate the population at large about the heavily stigmatized topic of anal sex. Without their efforts the possibility of rectal microbicides being readily accepted as a prevention method may not be possible. We must continue to lay the foundation for such important work that could save the lives of millions." - Vanessa Marquez, Boston, USA

Vanessa Marquez, a Clinical Research Nurse at The Fenway Institute in Boston is a proud advocate for rectal microbicides among many other HIV prevention methods. She was born in New York to parents who emigrated from Latin America and was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Vanessa became interested in HIV prevention after volunteering as a massage therapist at an HIV alternative therapies clinic in San Francisco, CA. She got involved with IRMA through her work with the Microbicide Trials Network. She feels very fortunate to have found her dream job immediately after graduating nursing school, and is excited about the possibilities of continuing to advocate for important prevention methods like rectal microbicides.

She believes that rectal microbicides provide a very important other option for HIV prevention. Her work on the iPrEx study has led her to understand that "the more options individuals have, the more likely it is that they will use these prevention technologies".

In her advocacy work she meets with clients each week for microbicide study visits, presents information on anal sex through a skit of her creation called "The Shameless Plug." Vanessa feels that the destigmatization of anal sex and health will lead to more conversations with medical providers, which will hopefully lead to more options like rectal microbicides.

Vanessa, who speaks fluent Spanish, enjoys reading, attending classical music concerts, learning new languages, volunteering in community events, traveling, and being with her family in her free time.

Read about other friendly rectal microbicides advocates. Newly featured advocates include Daniel Nuñez, Amy Stapleford Jackson, Maheswar Satpathy, Luis Fernando Galarza, and Mark Hubbard.

Want to join the best e-mail discussion list on new prevention technologies on the planet? Send a note to IRMA here - rectalmicro@gmail.com - and we will get you signed up.Joining the list makes you an automatic IRMA member too!

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet Mark Hubbard - A Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate

"The work we do is difficult, complex, challenging, and nuanced. If we recognize that upfront, we do better at avoiding frustration and conflict." - Mark Hubbard, Nashville, USA

Mark Hubbard is an independent community organizer, advocate, educator and activist. He was introduced to IRMA when he produced a community forum on microbicides that featured Jim Pickett.

Mark is excited to be a part of rectal microbicide advocacy. He believes IRMA serves the community in a number of ways: It educates the community about HIV/AIDS prevention broadly and new prevention technologies research more specifically, it highlights the disparity between vaginal and rectal microbicide research, and it provides context for rectal microbicide advocacy work. "Our best efforts at developing biomedical or behavioral interventions will be futile if we fail to work within a framework of understanding regarding affected communities' cultural contexts and legacies," he says.

The role of rectal transmission in the pandemic is profoundly clear, and for this reason Mark hopes to bring rectal microbicide research to the forefront of HIV prevention technologies. He has produced educational events that attracted a broad, diverse audience in a format that encourages real dialogue. Even in his personal life he "just never stops talking about the issues."

Mark loves to watch movies in his free time – particularly classics and independent films. He also loves being outdoors; taking walks in nature keeps him happy and healthy. He "definitely got the 'gay Broadway' gene" and enjoys musical theater culture as well.

Read about other friendly rectal microbicides advocates. Newly featured advocates include Daniel Nuñez, Amy Stapleford Jackson, Maheswar Satpathy, Vanessa Marquez, and Luis Fernando Galarza.

Want to join the best e-mail discussion list on new prevention technologies on the planet? Send a note to IRMA here - rectalmicro@gmail.com - and we will get you signed up.Joining the list makes you an automatic IRMA member too!

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet Luis Fernando Galarza - A Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate

"We need more choices to fight against HIV."

- Luis Fernando Galarza, Guayaquil, Ecuador

Luis works with Fundación Ecuatoriana Equidad, a non-governmental organization in Ecuador that works for human rights, and the health and social welfare of the GLBTI Community. Equidad is collaborating on the new iPrEx OLE trial (the open-label extension of the original iPrEx study), and Luis is the site study coordinator for Guayaquil.

He said of the project: "This trial and the great staff behind it has been for me the best opportunity I had to learn all I know so far about the serious and important clinical research world." He also offers counseling services related to HIV testing and risk reduction.

Luis was introduced to IRMA by a colleague in Lima, Peru - Steve Miralles of IRMA-ALC, IRMA's South American sister which is working to expand rectal microbicide and PrEP advocacy in the region. He is collaborating with IRMA-ALC, and is very excited about the possibilities in rectal microbicides, because "the alarming numbers of new HIV Infections around the world are telling us that new prevention strategies and technologies are extremely necessary, and rectal microbicides could be an excellent option."

In his free time, Luis enjoys being with his friends, family and partner. When alone he loves to garden, with his flowers and his two dogs to keep him company.

Read about other friendly rectal microbicides advocates. Newly featured advocates include Daniel Nuñez, Amy Stapleford Jackson, Maheswar Satpathy, Vanessa Marquez, and Mark Hubbard.

Want to join the best e-mail discussion list on new prevention technologies on the planet? Send a note to IRMA here - rectalmicro@gmail.com - and we will get you signed up.Joining the list makes you an automatic IRMA member too!

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Countdown to 30 Years: Up in Arms

by Aldona Martinka, IRMA intern

As the thirtieth anniversary of the very beginning of the AIDS crisis draws near, IRMA will be counting down the last five days with a short series on AIDS history. It will explore where we began, where we are now, and where we are going as we continue to battle this disease with hope and determination. This is part two of five.

When the eighties came to a close the world was still reeling from the devastation of a new, terrible disease. In the past few years strides had been made to de-stigmatize HIV and its victims, but they were still misunderstood and underrepresented in the media and in the government. This really began to change in the nineties as the government, technology, and pop culture finally took up arms on a large scale.

Ryan White died in April of 1990, and four months later the first Ryan White CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency) Act was enacted, marking the largest piece of AIDS-related legislation to date, allocating $220.5 million in federal funds for HIV care and treatment. Since then it has been reauthorized three times. In the next years, congress would pass several more pieces of legislation that would give funds, housing, and (most importantly) legitimacy and support to AIDS victims and advocates. In 1991 the ubiquitous symbol of AIDS support and awareness, the red ribbon, is launched. Right after AIDS became the number one cause of death for males 25-44, the FDA approved a 10-minute HIV test which would change testing for and diagnosis of HIV in the United States. The female condom is approved in 1993. AIDS is the number one cause of death for women 25-44 as well in 1994. Months later AZT is approved to help prevent vertical transmission of the virus. Clinton’s Conference on HIV/AIDS in 1995 comes the year that the number of US HIV cases crosses the 500,000 line.

The nineties were not just a decade of political advocacy and technological advances; celebrities began to follow in the footsteps of Elizabeth Taylor and others supporting the fight against AIDS. “Magic” Johnson announced his HIV-positive status in 1991. Rock and roll fans everywhere mourned when icon Freddie Mercury of Queen died from AIDS-related pneumonia. Tom Hanks starred in the film “Philadelphia” as a lawyer with AIDS, bringing his repute and acting talent to the first major Hollywood film about AIDS. Athletes, artists, and other celebrities come forward throughout the decade, each one helping to reduce stigma just a little.

Finally, in 1996, the United States collectively heaves a sigh when the number of new diagnoses of AIDS drops for the first time since the start of the epidemic due mostly to the advent of Highly Active Anti-Retrorviral Therapy (HAART.) Really for the first time there are drugs that can suppress the virus.  AIDS is no longer the cause for most 25-44 year olds, but remains so for African-Americans. The next year the CDC reports a 47% decline in AIDS deaths from the last year. With such significant improvements, even though AIDS continues to be a vicious disease in the US (especially among minorities), eyes turn to AIDS in the rest of the world as the crisis becomes a global issue. In the new millennium the United States continues to battle HIV at home, but also sends support overseas where victims of the disease in the third world are ravaged by its effects.

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet Paul Semugoma - a Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate

via IRMA

 For the populations that I have been working with, MSM/GB men, unprotected anal sex may be the single most important reason they are so vulnerable to HIV. So, getting a way and means of decreasing the spread of HIV in this way is something that should have been a priority from the beginning of the pandemic. - Paul Semugoma

Paul Semugoma is a medical doctor in Kampala, Uganda and is a member of the Global Forum on MSM and HIV Steering Committee. Paul first heard of rectal microbicides at International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa in Nigeria while he was involved in other projects. Later, he revisited rectal microbicides when he realized that anal sex is perhaps the most significant means of HIV transmission, yet interventions in that area have been very limited.

Paul's current work as an advocate includes encouraging research, interest, and discussion within his community. He is also part of the Project ARM - Africa for Rectal Microbicides working group.

Paul is an introspective man in his free time, reading and writing poetry when not hard at work.

Read about other friendly rectal microbicides advocates.
Newly featured advocates include Margaret Onah, Brian Kanyemba, and Ian Lemieux.

Want to join the best e-mail discussion list on new prevention technologies on the planet? Send a note to IRMA here - rectalmicro@gmail.com - and we will get you signed up.Joining the list makes you an automatic IRMA member too!

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet Margaret Onah - a Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate

via IRMA

 Margaret Onah believes that rectal microbicides are an important priority among new HIV prevention technologies because so many people, both males and females, engage in anal sex and the society pretends that it is not real, and so do not want to be associated with it.

An advocate from Calabar, Nigeria, Margaret is the Director for Safe Havens International and is a member of IRMA and IRMA Nigeria. She provides support services to vulnerable women and girls (female sex workers, teenage mothers and widows) and communities by educating and informing them on issues of sexual & reproductive health rights. Her mission as an advocate for human rights and health issues is to enhance the well-being of her community and its most vulnerable members with a participatory approach.

Margaret was introduced to IRMA when she became a member of the Global Campaign for Microbicides and the New HIV Vaccine and Microbicides Advocacy Society (NHVMAS), the "steering wheel" for microbicide advocacy in Nigeria. She began her advocacy with IRMA because she is concerned about the stigma and discrimination associated with anal sex, which she knows prevent people from seeking diagnosis and treatment, further compounding the problem. "If we are soliciting for vaginal microbicides, we should do the same for rectal microbicides because sex is sex no matter what form."

When she's not working Margaret enjoys reading biographies, dancing, and Christian books and music.

Read about other friendly rectal microbicides advocates.
Newly featured advocates include Brian Kanyemba, Paul Semugoma, and Ian Lemieux.

Want to join the best e-mail discussion list on new prevention technologies on the planet? Send a note to IRMA here - rectalmicro@gmail.com - and we will get you signed up. Joining the list makes you an automatic IRMA member too!

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet Ian R. Lemieux - a Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate

Via IRMA

Rectal microbicides may one day be our most safe and effective 'on scene' HIV prevention method. It is important that we take dynamic approaches to HIV prevention - given that the needs of persons globally will always be diverse, says Ian R. Lemieux of Boston, Massachusetts.

Ian is a registered nurse working as a Clinical Study Coordinator at The Fenway Institute, a division of Fenway Health.He learned about IRMA through his work as a coordinator of microbicide research studies.

Since completing his graduate studies in epidemiology and biostatistics, he has been most interested in HIV prevention. Several years ago, Ian joined the American Society for Clinical Pathology's Global Outreach Team as a volunteer consultant.

Ian has been able to engage in HIV/AIDS work across the world, in Swaziland, Tanzania, Namibia, and Rwanda. During a recent project in Africa he had the opportunity to educate on the current rectal microbicides research and development activities. "No doubt many are counting on us, and are excited for the potential of these efforts!"

Ian meets with several clients each week for microbicide study visits. He enjoys educating people about microbicides, the importance of research currently underway, and the incredible potential of these prevention methods.

He is constantly on the move in his free time, whether teaching yoga classes, cycling, hiking, or travelling.

Read about other friendly rectal microbicides advocates.
Newly featured advocates include Margaret Onah, Paul Semugoma, and Brian Kanyemba.

Want to join the best e-mail discussion list on new prevention technologies on the planet? Send a note to IRMA here - rectalmicro@gmail.com - and we will get you signed up.Joining the list makes you an automatic IRMA member too!

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet Brian Kanyemba - a Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocate

via IRMA

Rectal microbicides are important and should be a top priority among new HIV prevention because anal sex occurs between heterosexuals as well as homosexuals, says Brian Kanyemba of Cape Town, South Africa. Awareness of anal sex and continuing discussions on anal sex could bring down homo-negativity and prejudice against MSM.

Brian is an IRMA member, an Advocate Fellow with AVAC, and a Research Assistant with the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation. He has been very involved with IRMA's Project ARM - Africa for Rectal Microbicides, and an integral member of the Project ARM video working group which is producing an African-focused video on anal sex and rectal microbicides.

At the May 23 - 25 Top2Btm symposium in Cape Town, Brian presented an excellent poster called "Developing Rectal Microbicides (RM) in Africa - the advocacy needed to make it happen." Click here to check it out.

Brian feels lucky to have been part of the African arm of the iPrEx study, the results of which have been extremely meaningful to the MSM community. As an advocate Brian works on comprehensive community awareness of HIV prevention tools.One way in which Brian does this is to let people know that rectal microbicides are not just for MSM, but also have the potential to greatly affect the heterosexual community.

Brian also works to increase awareness and reduce stigma. "Sex is a taboo in the African context, now it's the time to call a spade a spade and send the message around," he says. He hopes that progress in sex education curriculums will aid the process, thereby bringing the epidemic out of the shadows.

In his free time, aside from his ceaseless interest in discussions of HIV prevention, Brian can be found dancing, playing pool, and drinking a good beer.

Read about other friendly rectal microbicides advocates.
Newly featured advocates include Margaret Onah, Paul Semugoma, and Ian Lemieux.

Want to join the best e-mail discussion list on new prevention technologies on the planet? Send a note to IRMA here - rectalmicro@gmail.com - and we will get you signed up.Joining the list makes you an automatic IRMA member too!

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

NEW! AIDS and Behavior articles: rectal microbicides, PrEP, community perspectives and gay men's health

New articles of interest from AIDS and Behavior - February 18, 2011

• "Community Perspectives on Developing a Sexual Health Agenda for Gay and Bisexual Men",Stewart Landers, Jim Pickett, Leo Rennie, and Steve Wakefield, AIDS and Behavior, 2011-02-18. DOI 10.1007/s10461-011-9896-z
  
  
• "Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and the Promise of Combination Prevention Approaches", Susan P. Buchbinder and Albert Liu, AIDS and Behavior, 2011-02-18. DOI 10.1007/s10461-011-9894-1
  
  
• "Rectal Microbicides: Can We Make Them and Will People Use Them?", Ian McGowan, AIDS and Behavior, 2011-02-18. DOI 10.1007/s10461-011-9899-9
  
  
• "Sexual Health, HIV, and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States", Richard J. Wolitski and Kevin A. Fenton, AIDS and Behavior, 2011-02-18. DOI 10.1007/s10461-011-9901-6

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Uganda gays celebrate court victory against newspaper

via AfrikNews

Gays in Uganda celebrated today, after courts ruled in their favor in a case against a newspaper which called on people to hang them.

 

In October 2010, Rolling Stone newspaper had boldly called for gays to be hanged in one of their headlines. "Hang Them," the headline read. The ensuing story showed photos of people presumed to be gays in Uganda, and even indicated locations of their homes.

And according to gays in Uganda, the newspaper article led to some of those whose photos, names and home adresses appeared in the newspaper to be attacked and beaten up by people who claimed to be anti-gay.

But after taking the case to court and applying for damages whilst requesting for an injunction against the newspaper, a Uganda court Monday ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.

The court has also issued a parmanent injunction against Rolling Stone newspaper never to publish photos of gays in Uganda, and also never to again publish their home addreses.

Justice Kibuuka Musoke’s ruling read in parts: "Gays are also entitled to their rights. This court has found that there was infringment of some people’s confidential rights. The court hereby issues an injuction restraining Rolling Stone newspaper from future publishing of identifcations of homosexuals."

Read the rest.



[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

I am gay.

via Look At Vietnam

Nguyen Van Trung, 35, is as excited as a teenager going to his or her first party.

But the excitement is tinged with some nervous bravado, because Trung’s coming out party seeks to increase public tolerance toward the gay community in Vietnam.

A group of 100 gay activists is planning to raise awareness and visibility by wearing pink T-shirts proclaiming, "I am gay." They will walk together on the sidewalks in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, probably on the upcoming Valentine’s Day, Trung said.

“This will be the first time such an activity has been organized by the gay community in Vietnam,” said Trung, member of a HCMC voluntary group that seeks to advise men who have sex with men (MSM) on safe sex and HIV-related knowledge.

“I only hope that by doing so, the public will be more tolerant of people like us since we do no harm to the society.”

Read the rest

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Meet a Fresh Crop of 8 Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocates From 5 Countries

Rectal microbicide advocates come in all flavors, shapes, and sizes - and from every corner of the globe. And we have 8 new bios to share with you.

Check out Meet IRMA Advocates on the IRMA website and learn about advocates like Gerard from Rwanda, Gabriela and Gerald from Peru, Andrew and Zoe from South Africa, Mariama from the UK, and Jim and Rita from the United States. They may all have very different background, but share the desire to put safe, effective, acceptable and accessible rectal microbicides into the hands of the men, women, and transgender individuals who need them.

"Rectal microbicides are something I remember when it was only in the 'what if we could stages. Now, I am astounded on how far [the field] has come,” says Rita Labbett.

Read more about Rita, and the rest of our bumper crop of Friendly Rectal Microbicide Advocates, here.

  




Zoe Duby
Cape Town , South Africa





Mariama Kamara
London, UK

 


Rita Labbett
Pittsburgh, PA, US




Jim Maynard
Boston, MA, US





Gerard Nkundimana
Huye, Rwanda





Gerald Díaz Panduro
Huánuco, Perú




Andrew Scheibe
Cape Town, South Africa




Gabriela Huamán Vargas
Lima, Perú



[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Before and After CAPRISA: What does it mean for rectal microbicides?

Let the Sun Shine In

From Positively Aware, by Jim Pickett (IRMA Chair)

Excerpt:

While the rectal microbicide field has gained significant momentum, more focus and resources are necessary. In 2010, 7.2 million U.S. dollars are being spent globally on rectal microbicide research. IRMA has calculated that annual investments must increase by 40% from 2011-2014, to $10 million per year and must increase further to $44 million in the years 2015-2020 to ensure a minimum of candidate products are moving through the research pipeline into late stage testing for effectiveness.

Advocates are optimistic that the CAPRISA proof of concept will also be translated into more financial and creative energy being put into rectal microbicide development. With five new infections for every two individuals beginning treatment, it’s absolutely imperative we find new ways to prevent HIV for individuals at risk, gay and straight, women and men. As these new methods become available, it is also of paramount importance that people who are already using condoms correctly and consistently continue doing so.

We won’t treat our way out of this global epidemic. As of this writing, over 3,400 individuals in the U.S. bide their time on AIDS Drug Assistance Program waiting lists in nine states. The new National AIDS Strategy focuses on three pillars to attack the domestic epidemic, one of which is access to care and treatment. Can we ensure this happens? Those waiting lists are made up of people who can’t wait.

Read the rest

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

PEPFAR and USAID Advance Support for Female Condoms

An update on advocacy successes from the Center for Health and Gender Equality (CHANGE)

PEPFAR’s recently released Fiscal Year 2011 Country Operational Plan Guidance includes female condoms in its guidance appendices, which are used in the field by U.S. embassies to guide program planning. This is the first time that female condoms have featured so prominently in any PEPFAR guidance document. This guidance is significant because it helps explain technical requirements, best practices, and what program managers should consider to align with U.S. Congressional and Administrative requirements and policies.

USAID has also shown signs of increased support for female condoms. USAID  is hiring for a new position: Senior Condom Programming Advisor. This person will be housed within the Office of HIV/AIDS and will serve as a focal point for female and male condom programming for HIV prevention within PEPFAR. This is great news, and again is a testament that our advocacy to increase U.S. support for female condoms and comprehensive prevention is paying off. For more information about female condoms and U.S. support for female condoms, see the Prevention Now Campaign’s fact sheet on female condoms.

Continuing our work to educate the U.S. and global advocacy communities, researchers, and donors about the importance of female condoms for prevention of HIV and unintended pregnancy and the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights, CHANGE joined with partners at AIDS Foundation of Chicago, PATH, and AVAC to hold a strategy call on future female condom products, such as the PATH Woman’s Condom that is undergoing clinical trials. “Female Condoms of Today and Tomorrow: Strategy Call on Products and Research and Development (R&D) Advocacy” drew an audience of about 70 NGO leaders, researchers, funders, and U.S. government officials, who contributed to a lively discussion on how to move this advocacy agenda forward.

Read the notes from the call


[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

The War on Love in Trinidad and Tobago

From gspott: t&t's trigger site for sogi passion and advocacy blog

October 23rd may have been the largest (and perhaps the first) GLBT protest in T&T’s history. Young people and a few older ones filled a “big maxi” and two cars, dressed in jerseys that announced “The homosexual agenda” of GLBT people in T&T and their allies to

1. Buy Crix
2. Spend time with family
3. Work for equality.

They almost outnumbered other attendees at the His Way Out Ministries/Hospital Christian Fellowship/Lawyers for Jesus/Emmanuel Community meeting in South, built around the visit of “reformed” gay pastor Phillip Lee. The event, titled “Sexual Health: Truth Revealed” and billed as a “sexual health seminar”, was moved at the last minute from Naparima Girls High School (did Naps reject them, and why?) to the pentecostal Prayer and Praise Open Bible Chapel in Cocoyea.

Henry and the groups behind the rally are trying to change attitudes, the Express story the Sunday after the event makes clear: they’re in a “war” against the love practised by some of their fellow citizens, for which they’ve imported a reformed gay American as field marshal.

Read the rest

[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]